Following the conclusion of the seven-day post-burial prayers for the late Ayawaso East Member of Parliament (MP), Naser Toure Mahama, discussions have begun among constituents and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding who should succeed him in Parliament. Names such as Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed and Dr. Yakubu Azindow have already emerged as potential contenders.

Both men previously contested the NDC parliamentary primary against Mr. Mahama ahead of the 2024 general election. In that contest, Mahama secured 675 votes, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed received 525, and Dr. Azindow polled 215 votes.

The seven-day prayers for the late MP were observed at the National Mosque on Sunday, January 11, 2026, marking a turning point as the constituency begins to prepare for the inevitable by-election triggered by the passing of its sitting MP.

Under Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, the Electoral Commission is mandated to organize a by-election within three months of the Speaker of Parliament formally notifying it of a vacancy. While the official process has not yet begun, local conversations on succession are already underway.

Speaking in Nima after the prayers, Hajia Fati Mohammed, popularly known as Hajia Kande Majesty, acknowledged the community’s grief while highlighting the political implications of losing a sitting MP. As the Magajia of the NDC National Zongo Caucus and a former two-term women’s organizer in Ayawaso East, she described Mr. Mahama as a long-serving leader who dedicated nearly 14 years to the constituency.

“As Muslims, we accept death as the will of Allah,” she said. “But now the question is who can continue his work and serve the people effectively.”

Hajia Kande Majesty noted that Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed’s second-place finish in the last primary, coupled with his continued involvement in the community—including support for party coordinators and women—makes him a natural contender. She also emphasized his deep roots in Nima, having grown up and gone to school there.

“Bringing too many candidates forward could divide us at this sensitive time,” she added.

Alhaji Ismail Ali Horoya, Greater Accra Regional Zongo Caucus Coordinator of the NDC, stressed that no formal declarations have been made regarding the by-election.

“Since Mr. Mahama’s death, attention has focused on funeral arrangements and religious rites. Political decisions will follow guidance from the party’s national leadership,” he said.

Community voices also highlighted the importance of an inclusive discussion about succession. Mr. Awalu Angulu Awudu Agbaadzenaa, president of the Concerned Nima Citizens Foundation, urged that the by-election should not merely follow routine party lines.

He pointed to younger party members such as Abdul Salam Daru and Najib Mohammed Sani as potential leaders, cautioning against imposing a candidate from outside the constituency’s consensus.

Another factor in the ongoing discussions is the potential candidacy of the late MP’s widow. While supporters are reportedly mobilizing, no formal announcement has been made.

Islamic law requires a widow to observe iddah—a mourning period of four months and ten days—which, while not explicitly barring political participation, calls for restraint and respect during mourning.

Ghana has seen precedents where widows succeeded their late husbands in Parliament, including Lydia Seyram Alhassan in Ayawaso West Wuogon, Ophelia Mensah Hayford in Mfantseman, and Linda Ocloo in Shai Osudoku.

The New Patriotic Party has already indicated plans to contest the Ayawaso East by-election, despite the constituency’s reputation as an NDC stronghold.

As the community transitions from mourning to deliberation, residents and party members are closely considering who can best carry forward Naser Toure Mahama’s legacy in Parliament.