The political landscape in Ghana’s Akwatia constituency is buzzing with activity as both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gear up for a parliamentary by-election. This electoral contest has been necessitated by the unfortunate demise of the incumbent Member of Parliament, leaving a vacant seat that both parties are eager to fill. The NDC has formally opened its candidate selection process, with three aspirants already stepping forward to contend for the party’s nomination. Henry Boakye, a former Member of Parliament for the constituency, is seeking to reclaim his former seat, bringing with him his prior legislative experience and familiarity with the constituency’s political terrain. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, the current constituency secretary, represents a more grassroots approach, drawing upon his deep involvement in local party activities and his understanding of the immediate concerns of the constituency. Erasmus Koney Ali completes the trio, adding another dimension to the competitive field of aspirants.
The NDC’s internal selection process is designed to ensure a transparent and democratic nomination. All declared candidates, as well as any additional aspirants who meet the Wednesday, July 30 deadline, will undergo a rigorous vetting process on Thursday, July 31. This vetting aims to assess the candidates’ eligibility, qualifications, and suitability to represent the party in the by-election. Following the vetting, a ballot draw will determine the candidates’ positions on the ballot paper for the upcoming internal elections. This seemingly minor procedural step holds significant weight, as the ballot position can sometimes influence voter choices. The culmination of this internal selection process is set for Monday, August 4, 2025, when NDC delegates will cast their votes to choose their flagbearer for the Akwatia by-election.
While the NDC embraces a competitive internal election, the NPP has opted for a different approach. The party has seemingly reached a consensus, coalescing its support behind Solomon Kwame Asumadu, the CEO of Owuo Mining Company. This decision, according to party insiders, emerged from extensive consultations with various stakeholders within the constituency. The prevailing sentiment favored a unified front, bypassing a potentially divisive primary contest in favor of a pre-determined candidate. This approach, while streamlining the selection process, bypasses the opportunity for a broader expression of democratic choice within the party.
The selection of Asumadu puts to rest earlier speculations about potential candidates, particularly concerning the late MP’s widow, Mrs. Mavis Kumi. Rumors had circulated suggesting that Mrs. Kumi might be considered as a candidate, perhaps as a way to honor her late husband’s legacy. However, these rumors were definitively quashed by Jeff Konadu, the Eastern Regional NPP Chairman. Konadu categorically dismissed the reports as “false and misleading,” clarifying the party’s decision to back Asumadu. This decisive statement aimed to dispel any lingering uncertainties and solidify the party’s position heading into the by-election.
The contrasting approaches of the NDC and NPP highlight different internal dynamics and strategies in candidate selection. The NDC’s competitive primary allows for a wider range of voices and potentially greater engagement from party members. This process, while potentially more complex and resource-intensive, underscores the party’s commitment to internal democracy and grassroots participation. On the other hand, the NPP’s consensus-based approach prioritizes unity and efficiency. By avoiding a potentially contentious primary, the party aims to present a cohesive front to the electorate and focus its resources on campaigning against the opposition. This streamlined approach, however, may raise questions about the level of inclusivity and democratic participation within the party’s decision-making process.
The Akwatia by-election is shaping up to be an intriguing political battle, offering insights into the contrasting strategies and internal dynamics of Ghana’s two major political parties. The NDC’s open contest and the NPP’s consensus candidate present distinct approaches to candidate selection, reflecting different priorities and political calculations. Ultimately, the outcome of the by-election will not only determine the next parliamentary representative for Akwatia but also potentially offer a glimpse into the broader political landscape in the lead-up to future national elections. The by-election will serve as a critical test of both parties’ strategies and their ability to mobilize support in a closely watched contest.
