The sitting National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Domeabra-Obom Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Sophia Karen Edem Ackuaku, did not file to seek re-election when the filing of nominations was opened by the party.

According to reports, her decision not to file was to relinquish the seat.

The former Deputy Director of the National Service Scheme is lacing her boots to contest in the Ayawaso Central Constituency seat also in the Greater Accra Region.

She contested the parliamentary seat for the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency on the ticket of the NDC in the 2012 general elections.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Election Committee Member, Mahdi Gibrill, confirmed that Ms Ackuaku did not file her nomination.

He indicated that there will be no by-election in the Constituency because the sitting MP is only switching to another Constituency and not a different political party.

According to him, Ayawaso Central is among some 27 Constituencies where nominations have not been opened yet.

“It’s true that we’ve heard that our MP for Obom-Domeabra wants to contest elections in Ayawaso Central.

“Ayawaso Central is among the 27 Constituencies the party has decided that we are not opening nominations for now.

“Vetting has started for those contesting Obome- Domeabra’s seat but for Ayawaso Central not yet.

“Per our records, she has not filed for the Domeabra Constituency,” he said.

He went on: “There are no [official] implications. The only implication she’ll have will be personal if she’s unable to win the primaries.

"But for her filing nomination at another Constituency as a sitting MP, there are no implications.”

“Some may think due to this, there will be a by-election in Obome Domeabra, but that is not the case. 

"She has not left the NDC party. She is just saying that in the next elections, she will not compete in her current Constituency but in another Constituency on the ticket of the NDC,” he explained.

Mr Gibrill stated that the reason for the MP’s decision is unknown, however, her performance during the vetting process will prove whether or not she is capable of winning the primaries and the 2024 elections.

He added that NDC’s track record at Ayawaso Central is a good one, hence, victory is assured.

“We haven’t asked the reason for her switching. All we are concerned about is whether she qualifies to contest at the new constituency," he said.