On July 11, 2025, Ewurabena Aubynn, the ruling National Democratic Congress’ candidate for the Ablekuma North Constituency was declared winner of the re-run polls.
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The Ewurabena Aubynn polled 34,090 votes while the NPP’s Akua Afriyie polled 33,881 votes making the NDC winning that seat for the first time since 1996.
This victory has significant impact on the President John Mahama-led NDC government and has the great potentials of shaping the direction of President Mahama’s governance.
How can this single seat sharp President Mahama’s governance?
Ghana operates under a multi-party constitutional democracy, with a clear separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches.
The Executive under Chapter 8, Article 57 of the 1992 Constitution is headed by the President, is responsible for enforcing laws and managing public services.
The Legislature, or Parliament under under Chapter 10, Article 93, headed by the Speaker is tasked with lawmaking, representing the people, and holding the Executive accountable.
Finally, the Judiciary under Chapter 11, Article 125 is headed by the Chief Justice tasked with upholding the rule of law, interpreting and applying the Constitution and laws, administering justice, promoting human rights, and ensuring fair dispute resolution. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining public confidence in the legal system.
2/3 Majority in Parliament
Before Ewurabena’s victory, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had 183 seats in Parliament whiles the NPP had 88 and 4 Independent seats. With the additional 1 seat for the NDC, it now secured a two-thirds majority in Ghana’s Parliament. It is also worth noting that all the four (4) independent MPs have announced to resolution to conduct Preliminary Business with the NDC making the NDC get a whopping 188 votes on the floor on any matter.
What this means?
The President Mahama-led NDC supper-majority has the numbers to be able to:
- Unilaterally Pass Bills: The NDC can now pass laws without needing support from the opposition New Patriotic Party Members in Parliament.
- Approval of Presidential Appointments: They have the power to approve or reject presidential appointments without opposition’s input.
- Initiate Constitutional Reforms: Although subject to further legal thresholds, the NDC can potentially initiate constitutional changes and probably amend the constitution to allow his Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to run for President once again if he wishes to which has to be approved by a referendum and ratification by a majority of District Assemblies.
Steps to amend the constitution:
1. Initiate the amendment: The NDC, with its two-thirds majority in Parliament, can initiate the amendment process by introducing a bill to amend Article 66(2).
2. Passage in Parliament: The bill would need to be passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament (at least 173 votes out of 275).
3. Referendum: If the bill passes with a two-thirds majority, it would then be put to a national referendum, where it would need to be approved by a simple majority of voters.
4. Presidential assent: If the referendum is successful, the amended constitution would then need to be assented to by the President.
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Editor’s Note:
For any factually inaccuracies, contributions or information. You can reach the Editor via editor@awakenews.com.gh
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