The upcoming September 2nd by-election in Akwatia has sparked internal debate within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding candidate selection. Former Member of Parliament for the constituency, Baba Jamal, has publicly voiced his disagreement with the party’s decision to hold fresh primaries, arguing that retaining the 2024 parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye Yiadom, also known as Okoyo, would have been a more strategic move. Jamal believed that maintaining the status quo would have presented a united front and avoided the potential for division inherent in competitive internal elections. He contended that Okoyo, having already contested the previous general election, possessed valuable experience and name recognition, making him a strong contender for the by-election. While acknowledging the democratic principles of the party, Jamal lamented the decision to hold primaries, suggesting it was an unnecessary expenditure of resources and a potential source of internal friction.
Baba Jamal’s primary concern revolved around maintaining party unity, particularly crucial in a by-election scenario. He argued that holding primaries could exacerbate existing factions and create new divisions, hindering the party’s ability to mount a cohesive and effective campaign. He highlighted the risk of alienating supporters of unsuccessful candidates, potentially leading to voter apathy or even defections. In contrast, maintaining Okoyo as the candidate would have, in Jamal’s view, presented a unified front, allowing the party to focus its energy and resources on challenging the opposition rather than managing internal conflicts. He believed this approach would have maximized the NDC’s chances of reclaiming the Akwatia seat.
Despite his reservations, Jamal acknowledged the democratic processes within the NDC and accepted the outcome of the primaries. He emphasized the importance of party unity moving forward and praised the conduct of the other two aspirants, Bernard Bediako Baidoo and Erasmus Koney Ali (Asanka Poyooyo), for their commitment to the party’s success. He noted their consistent presence at party events alongside the newly elected candidate, Baidoo, signaling a willingness to put aside personal ambitions for the greater good of the NDC. This collaborative spirit, according to Jamal, was crucial for consolidating support and ensuring a strong showing in the upcoming by-election.
The decision to hold primaries, while potentially divisive, ultimately provided a platform for democratic participation within the NDC. Three candidates vied for the nomination, each bringing their own strengths and support base to the table. Henry Boakye Yiadom, the incumbent candidate, relied on his experience and familiarity with the electorate. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, the constituency secretary, presumably leveraged his organizational skills and existing network within the party. Erasmus Koney Ali, known as Asanka Poyooyo, likely brought a unique dynamic to the race, potentially appealing to a specific segment of the electorate. The primaries allowed these candidates to present their visions and compete for the support of party members, ultimately resulting in the selection of Baidoo.
Bernard Bediako Baidoo’s victory in the primaries signifies a new chapter for the NDC in Akwatia. As the party’s chosen representative, he now shoulders the responsibility of uniting the various factions within the constituency and leading the campaign for the September 2nd by-election. He will need to draw upon the support of all party members, including those who backed other candidates, to maximize his chances of success. The by-election presents an opportunity for the NDC to regain a foothold in Akwatia and Baidoo’s leadership will be crucial in determining the outcome.
The Akwatia by-election serves as a microcosm of the larger political landscape in Ghana. It highlights the complexities of internal party dynamics, the challenges of candidate selection, and the importance of unity in achieving electoral success. The NDC’s experience in Akwatia underscores the delicate balance between democratic processes and the pragmatic need for strategic decision-making. While primaries provide an avenue for participation and renewal, they also carry the risk of division. The party’s ability to navigate these internal challenges and present a united front will ultimately determine its fate in the upcoming by-election and beyond. The outcome in Akwatia may also serve as a barometer for the broader political sentiment in the lead-up to future elections, providing valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of Ghanaian politics.
