The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has formally declared that a by-election will be conducted in the Akwatia constituency on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, to fill the parliamentary vacancy created by the untimely demise of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mr. Kumi’s passing in early July 2025, following a brief illness, triggered the constitutional requirement for a by-election to ensure continued representation for the constituency in Parliament. The EC’s announcement, dated July 30, 2025, and signed by Chairperson Jean Mensa, sets in motion the electoral processes for prospective candidates to formally declare their intentions to contest the vacant seat.
The EC has outlined the procedures for potential candidates to participate in the by-election. Nomination forms will be available for collection at the EC’s Denkyembour District Office from Monday, August 11, 2025, to Wednesday, August 13, 2025. This timeframe provides aspiring candidates a three-day window to obtain the necessary documentation and initiate their campaigns. Furthermore, the EC has facilitated access to the nomination forms by making them available for download from its official website, www.ec.gov.gh, during the same period. This online accessibility aims to streamline the nomination process and encourage wider participation.
The nomination process involves fulfilling specific requirements to ensure the validity of candidacies. Each candidate’s nomination form must be endorsed by two registered voters within the Akwatia constituency, serving as proposer and seconder. Additionally, eighteen other registered voters from the constituency must endorse the nomination, signifying their support for the candidate. This requirement ensures that candidates have a demonstrable level of support within the constituency they seek to represent. The EC has also stipulated a filing fee for each candidate, set at Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS10,000.00). However, recognizing the importance of promoting inclusivity and participation from diverse groups, the EC has implemented a reduced filing fee of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GHS7,500.00) specifically for female candidates and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The upcoming by-election in Akwatia holds significant political implications. The constituency has traditionally been a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the party will be keen to retain the seat. However, the by-election presents an opportunity for other political parties to challenge the NPP’s dominance and potentially gain a foothold in the constituency. The contest is likely to be closely watched by political analysts and observers as a barometer of the current political landscape and a potential indicator of future electoral trends. The various political parties will undoubtedly mobilize their resources and engage in rigorous campaigns to sway the electorate in their favor.
The by-election campaign period will provide a platform for the candidates to articulate their visions for the constituency and engage with the electorate on critical issues affecting their livelihoods. Key concerns likely to dominate the campaign discourse include local development projects, job creation, access to quality healthcare and education, and improvements in infrastructure. The candidates’ ability to effectively address these issues and connect with the voters on a personal level will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the by-election. Voter turnout will be a key factor in the by-election, and all parties will likely strive to mobilize their supporters to cast their ballots.
The upcoming by-election in Akwatia is not merely a political contest; it is a fundamental exercise in democratic representation. The by-election ensures that the constituents of Akwatia continue to have a voice in Parliament and are effectively represented in the national legislature. The outcome of the election will have a direct impact on the lives and well-being of the people of Akwatia, shaping the future direction of development and policy implementation in the constituency. The EC’s role in conducting a free, fair, and transparent by-election is paramount to upholding the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring the will of the people is respected.
