The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, Baba Ali Yussif, says his deep-rooted ties within the constituency position him strongly to win the seat in the 2026 by-elections.

Speaking in an interview on GhanaWeb TV, the NPP candidate emphasised that elections are won not merely on party popularity or big names, but on long-standing relationships and grassroots engagement.

“I had my education right here in the constituency,” he said, noting that he attended Kanda cluster of schools, now part of the Nima cluster of schools.

According to him, his upbringing and active involvement in community activities have created bonds across Ayawaso East that transcend partisan lines.

Yussif recounted his involvement in youth advocacy, voluntary teaching during BECE and WASSCE periods, and participation in vacation classes organised by the Ghana Muslim Academy for more than a decade.

'My popularity, my message will do the magic for me' - Baba Ali Yussif

He also emphasised his engagement in sports development, having founded a football club in the constituency and currently serving as part of the management of a Division Three side.

“I have many students in this constituency. My football team is here. Almost every corner in this constituency, you will find one or two people who have had an encounter with me. Election is not about big name; it is about your relationship with the people,” he stated.

Touching on the political history of the constituency, Yussif referenced the closely contested 2000 parliamentary election, when the NPP’s Charles Kofi Wayo lost narrowly to the late Dr Ahmed Mustafa of the NDC by about 500 votes after what he described as changes in voting arrangements.

He also cited recent electoral upsets to support his optimism, pointing to constituencies such as Ablekuma North, where significant vote deficits were overturned in subsequent elections.

'I can win Ayawaso East' - Baba Ali Yussif ahead of by-election

“On paper, you may not believe it can happen, but every election has its own dynamics. The dynamics in this election are quite different, and my candidature is unique. I can attract votes from the NDC and win over floating voters,” he said.

Yussif expressed confidence that his grassroots appeal and cross-party connections would prove decisive in Ayawaso East, insisting that the constituency’s electoral history demonstrates that no seat is beyond reach.

'Independent candidates are not likely to succeed' - Baba Ali

NA/VPO