David Ankomah, the disqualified parliamentary candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP) for the upcoming Akwatia by-election, has rejected claims that he failed to meet his tax obligations, describing the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to disqualify him as unjust and procedurally flawed.
His response follows a suit he has filed at the Accra High Court, seeking to place an injunction on the by-election scheduled for Monday, September 2, 2025. The case is expected to be heard in the coming days.
In an interview on Citi FM/Channel One TV’s Akwatia Watch on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Mr. Ankomah maintained that he has consistently fulfilled his tax obligations and argued that the EC’s decision lacked merit.
“We have completed balloting, and the EC had already recognized me as a candidate. I followed all due process and qualified. After ballot papers were printed, the EC suddenly demanded that I produce a tax clearance certificate,” he said.
According to him, during the filing process, he presented his payslip as evidence of direct tax deductions from his monthly salary. He noted that this was accepted by the EC at the time, and that the subsequent demand for a Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) tax clearance certificate came after the process had been concluded.
“I made it clear to the Commission that I pay direct tax, deducted even before I receive my earnings. My payslips prove that. For the EC to reverse its position after printing ballot papers is unfair and inconsistent,” he added.
The Akwatia by-election was triggered by the sudden passing of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi, who died earlier this month after a short illness. His death left the seat vacant, prompting the EC to organize a by-election.
The poll is expected to be fiercely contested, with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) determined to retain its hold on the constituency, while the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) intensifies its efforts to capture the seat. Smaller parties, including the APP, had also signaled interest until the controversy surrounding Mr. Ankomah’s disqualification.
His legal challenge has introduced a new twist to the race. Should the court grant his injunction request, the September 2 by-election could face delays, potentially affecting the campaign momentum of both the NPP and NDC.
The EC has not yet issued an official response to Mr. Ankomah’s lawsuit.
