The Akwatia Constituency by-election commenced with a palpable sense of calm and organization on September 2, 2025. As of mid-morning, reports from all 119 polling stations across the constituency indicated a smooth and peaceful voting process, free from any disruptive incidents. The early hours witnessed a steady flow of voters arriving at their designated polling centers, eager to exercise their democratic right and contribute to the selection of their next parliamentary representative. This positive start set a promising tone for the remainder of the election day, suggesting a high likelihood of a fair and transparent electoral process.
The Electoral Commission’s meticulous preparations and robust security measures played a crucial role in facilitating the orderly conduct of the by-election. Polling stations strategically positioned across the constituency, including locations such as the Akyem Tarkorawse R/C, Town Mosque, Durbar Grounds, Methodist Primary, SDA Basic School, NYOC, Presbyterian Primary, Funeral Grounds, and Tokrowase Senior High School, reported smooth operations from the outset. The presence of a significant security contingent, comprising senior police officers overseeing each polling station with support from junior officers, along with Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCOPs) and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) assigned to electoral areas, ensured a secure environment for voters and election officials alike.
By 8:50 a.m., queues had begun to form at polling stations throughout the constituency, reflecting the electorate’s active participation in the by-election. Three candidates contested the Akwatia seat: Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the nominee of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG). The by-election drew significant attention due to Akwatia’s historical significance as a swing constituency, which had alternated between the NPP and NDC since 1992. A total of 52,328 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots in this crucial race, which held significant implications for the political landscape of the region.
Specific polling stations offered further insights into the voting process. At the Beauty of Nature Polling Station in Boadua, Presiding Officer Matilda Anakwah reported 537 registered voters. A substantial security presence, consisting of thirteen police officers in both uniform and plain clothes, was deployed to maintain order and ensure a peaceful voting environment. Meanwhile, at the Boadua Bus Terminal Polling Centre, voter turnout was initially slow, with only a small number of voters present at 8:00 a.m. Presiding Officer Obeng Mark Akrofi confirmed that 612 voters were expected at that station, suggesting a potential increase in turnout as the day progressed.
The early voter turnout and the peaceful atmosphere at polling stations signaled a positive start to the Akwatia by-election. One of the early voters, Esi Baisiwaa, who was the first to cast her ballot at her designated polling station, encouraged fellow constituents to participate actively in the electoral process. Her call to action emphasized the importance of exercising one’s democratic right and contributing to the selection of a representative who would effectively serve the interests of the constituency.
The smooth commencement of the Akwatia by-election, coupled with the robust security arrangements and the active participation of voters, pointed towards a potentially successful and credible electoral process. The high stakes of the election, given Akwatia’s status as a swing constituency, and the presence of three contending candidates, underscored the significance of this by-election in shaping the political landscape of the region. The Electoral Commission’s effective management of the voting process, combined with the peaceful conduct of voters, laid a solid foundation for a fair and transparent outcome that would reflect the will of the people of Akwatia.
