The upcoming Akwatia by-election has become a focal point of political contention in Ghana, with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressing unwavering confidence in their candidate’s prospects. Mustapha Gbande, a prominent figure within the NDC, serving as both Deputy General Secretary and Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has asserted that the party is poised to secure victory in the September 2nd polls. He bases this optimism on what he perceives as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) failure to deliver substantial development to the Akwatia constituency during their eight-year tenure under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This perceived neglect, Gbande argues, has created a groundswell of dissatisfaction among residents, who are now ready to embrace the NDC’s promise of change.
Gbande’s confidence stems not only from the perceived shortcomings of the previous administration but also from the strengths of their chosen candidate, Lawyer Bernard Bediako. He emphasizes Bediako’s deep roots within the community, highlighting his prior role as a constituency secretary. This experience, Gbande contends, has provided Bediako with an intimate understanding of the local challenges and the ability to connect with voters on a personal level. Furthermore, Bediako’s established relationship with the current government positions him, according to Gbande, to effectively advocate for Akwatia’s development needs and secure the necessary resources.
The NDC’s campaign strategy appears to hinge on contrasting their candidate’s local engagement and potential for effective governance with the NPP’s perceived neglect of the constituency. Gbande directly questions the value of electing another NPP representative, given what he characterizes as the party’s failure to deliver tangible improvements during their previous eight years in power. This line of argument seeks to capitalize on any lingering resentment among voters and frame the by-election as a choice between continued stagnation and a fresh start under the NDC.
The Akwatia constituency, located within the Eastern Region, traditionally considered an NPP stronghold, now presents a key battleground in the evolving political landscape. The by-election, necessitated by the untimely passing of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi in July 2025, offers both parties a chance to gauge public sentiment and potentially shift the balance of power. The NDC’s assertive campaign, spearheaded by Gbande’s confident pronouncements, suggests a determined effort to capitalize on this opportunity and make inroads into the NPP’s traditional territory.
Beyond the political rhetoric and campaign promises, the Electoral Commission has stepped forward to assure the public of its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process. This assurance aims to address any potential concerns about electoral integrity and build public trust in the outcome of the by-election. Simultaneously, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the peace or incite violence during the electoral process. This proactive approach seeks to maintain order and ensure that the by-election proceeds smoothly without any security breaches.
The Akwatia by-election serves as a microcosm of the broader political dynamics at play in Ghana. The NDC’s confident pronouncements and focus on local development issues reflect a strategic effort to connect with voters and present themselves as a viable alternative to the NPP. The outcome of this contest will not only determine the immediate political representation of Akwatia but also offer valuable insights into the prevailing public mood and the potential trajectory of future elections. The interplay of local concerns, national political narratives, and the assurances of a fair and secure electoral process will ultimately shape the result of this crucial by-election.
