Solomon Kwame Asumadu, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate for the Akwatia by-election, has presented himself as the inheritor of the late MP Ernest Yaw Kumi’s vision for the constituency. Drawing a parallel to the biblical narrative of Joshua succeeding Moses, Asumadu has pledged to guide Akwatia towards a prosperous future, positioning himself as the leader capable of delivering tangible progress and fulfilling the unfinished aspirations of his predecessor. His campaign emphasizes continuity, promising to build upon Kumi’s development agenda and secure the “promised land” of advancement for Akwatia. This commitment, Asumadu asserts, is rooted in his proactive nature and proven ability to effect change, independent of reliance on public funds.
Asumadu’s campaign rhetoric hinges on the concept of carrying the torch forward, echoing the developmental ambitions of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi. He highlights Kumi’s dedication to Akwatia’s transformation, framing his own candidacy as a continuation of that commitment. This strategic approach aims to resonate with voters who supported Kumi and are looking for a candidate who will uphold his vision. By invoking the image of Joshua inheriting the mantle of leadership from Moses, Asumadu seeks to portray himself as the divinely ordained successor, destined to guide Akwatia to a period of progress and prosperity.
The by-election, scheduled for September 2nd, 2025, has been necessitated by the untimely demise of Ernest Yaw Kumi just months after his election. This sudden loss has left a void in the constituency’s leadership, creating an urgent need for a representative who can effectively champion Akwatia’s interests. Asumadu’s campaign seeks to fill this void by presenting himself as not just a replacement, but as the rightful heir to Kumi’s legacy, committed to driving the constituency towards the brighter future envisioned by the late MP.
Beyond simply continuing Kumi’s work, Asumadu has pledged to prioritize the needs of the youth and ensure inclusive development that benefits all residents of Akwatia. He emphasizes his proactive approach, contrasting his style with those who rely solely on public funds. This portrayal seeks to cast him as a resourceful and effective leader, capable of securing additional resources and opportunities for the constituency. The message is clear: Asumadu aims to be more than just a caretaker MP; he intends to be a driving force for positive change in Akwatia.
The Electoral Commission has affirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent by-election, implementing measures to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. This assurance is crucial in the context of a politically charged event like a by-election, where the stakes are high and the potential for disputes or irregularities exists. The Commission’s proactive stance seeks to preemptively address any concerns about the fairness of the election and build public confidence in the outcome.
Further bolstering the integrity of the electoral process, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the by-election. This public declaration underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain order and ensure the safety of voters and electoral officials. The IGP’s warning serves as a deterrent to potential troublemakers and reinforces the message that any attempts to undermine the democratic process will be met with swift and decisive action.
