Ghana Mourns Hon. Naser Toure Mahama, Longest-Serving MP for Ayawaso East

Ghana’s Parliament and the people of Ayawaso East Constituency are mourning the passing of Hon. Naser Toure Mahama, a four-term Member of Parliament and stalwart of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose quiet but impactful political career spanned more than a decade.

Born on March 17, 1965, in Nima, Accra, Hon. Mahama was a true son of the community he faithfully represented until his death. Known variously as Mahama Toure Naser or Naser Mahama Toure, he remained deeply rooted in the lives and aspirations of his constituents throughout his political journey.

Hon. Mahama was first elected as MP for Ayawaso East in 2012, marking the beginning of an unbroken electoral record. He went on to retain the seat in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 general elections, with his most recent victory seeing him secure 22,139 votes, representing 70.85 percent of valid votes cast. Notably, he never lost an election, including internal party primaries, defeating high-profile challengers such as Baba Jamal during the 2024 NDC primaries.

Despite being widely described as a “silent MP”—rarely speaking on the floor of Parliament—Hon. Mahama commanded immense respect and loyalty in Ayawaso East. His political strength lay not in parliamentary debates but in grassroots engagement and direct community development, a strategy he often credited for his consistent electoral success.

The Ayawaso East Constituency, regarded as an NDC stronghold, covers areas such as Nima, Maamobi, Kanda, and parts around the 37 Military Hospital. Hon. Mahama famously referred to Nima as the “heartbeat of Accra,” dedicating much of his work to improving living conditions in the area.

His key focus areas included sanitation, education, youth empowerment, and public health. He championed projects such as the widening of drains, provision of refuse containers, support for classroom construction, scholarships for needy students, and initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth.

Academically, Hon. Mahama built a strong foundation that complemented his public service. He obtained his GCE O-Level from West Africa Senior High School in 1987, earned a BSc in Marketing from Central University College, a Diploma in Governance from GIMPA, and later an MBA from Doshisha University in Japan.

As a member of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic, Hon. Naser Toure Mahama leaves behind a legacy of humility, consistency, and community-centered leadership. His death marks the end of an era for Ayawaso East, where he was not just a Member of Parliament, but a trusted son of the soil.

Tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, party faithful, and constituents who remember him as a leader who chose action over words and service over spotlight.