The impending by-election in the Akwatia constituency has become a focal point of national attention, with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) locked in a fierce battle for the parliamentary seat. The by-election, scheduled for September 2, 2025, was necessitated by the untimely demise of the incumbent MP, Ernest Kumi. As the election day draws near, both parties have intensified their campaigns, each vying to secure the crucial seat and gain political advantage. The NDC, spearheaded by its candidate Bernard Bediako, has received a significant boost with the direct intervention of Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who personally delivered a message from President John Dramani Mahama to the constituents of Akwatia.
President Mahama’s message, conveyed by Mr. Debrah during a rally on August 31, 2025, explicitly expressed the President’s desire to work with Bernard Bediako in his government. This direct endorsement from the highest office in the land serves as a powerful affirmation of the NDC’s commitment to the people of Akwatia and underscores the importance of electing their candidate. The President’s message resonated deeply with the assembled crowd, eliciting enthusiastic applause and further solidifying support for Bediako. Chief of Staff Debrah strategically capitalized on this momentum, urging voters to translate their loyalty into votes, emphasizing that electing Bediako would not only forge a stronger bond between the government and the people of Akwatia but also pave the way for expedited development projects.
The NDC’s campaign has gained further traction from encouraging independent poll predictions. A survey conducted by Sanity Africa between August 1 and 27, 2025, placed Bediako ahead of his NPP rival, Solomon Asumadu, with 52.3% of the projected vote share compared to Asumadu’s 47.7%. This narrow but significant lead suggests a growing momentum in favor of the NDC candidate. Another independent poll by Global Info Analytics further reinforces this trend, projecting Bediako with 53% support against Asumadu’s 47%. These pre-election surveys, while not definitive predictors of the final outcome, provide a snapshot of the prevailing political sentiment and suggest a potential advantage for the NDC.
The Akwatia by-election has taken on added significance due to the closely contested political landscape. The outcome of this election could potentially shift the balance of power within parliament and influence the government’s ability to effectively implement its legislative agenda. For the NDC, securing the Akwatia seat would not only reinforce their parliamentary majority but also send a strong message of continued public confidence in their leadership. On the other hand, a victory for the NPP would represent a significant gain and potentially bolster their position as a formidable opposition force.
The NPP, with its candidate Solomon Asumadu, is equally determined to capture the Akwatia seat. While facing an uphill battle according to recent polls, the NPP is leaving no stone unturned in its campaign efforts. They are actively engaging with constituents, highlighting their party’s platform and emphasizing their commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the people of Akwatia. The NPP is likely to focus on contrasting their policies with those of the incumbent NDC government, aiming to sway undecided voters and capitalize on any potential dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The remaining days leading up to the by-election will undoubtedly be marked by intense campaigning and heightened political activity. Both the NDC and the NPP will continue their efforts to mobilize their supporters and persuade undecided voters. The final outcome will depend on a multitude of factors, including the effectiveness of each party’s campaign strategy, the resonance of their messages with the electorate, and the overall voter turnout. The Akwatia by-election holds significant implications for the future political landscape of Ghana and will be closely watched by political analysts and observers nationwide.
