The upcoming by-election in Akwatia, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, has become a focal point of political activity, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) actively campaigning for their candidate, Lawyer Bernard Bediako Baidoo. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections and IT, has been at the forefront of this campaign, urging Akwatia constituents to throw their weight behind Lawyer Baidoo. The by-election has been necessitated by the unfortunate demise of the former NPP Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, who passed away just seven months into his term. This election pits Lawyer Baidoo against the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, setting the stage for a potentially significant political shift in the constituency.
Central to the NDC’s campaign is the argument that Lawyer Baidoo possesses the requisite qualities and strategic positioning to effectively champion development in Akwatia. Tanko-Computer emphasizes that Lawyer Baidoo’s presence in Parliament, alongside the ruling government, would create a unique opportunity for the constituency. He argues that this alignment would facilitate lobbying efforts with government agencies and ministries, increasing the likelihood of securing resources and development projects for Akwatia. This strategic advantage, Tanko-Computer suggests, is a compelling reason for constituents to choose Lawyer Baidoo over his NPP rival.
Conversely, Tanko-Computer paints a less optimistic picture of the NPP’s prospects, highlighting the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections as a sign of waning public confidence. He characterizes the opposition NPP as a “press conference group,” suggesting that they lack the political clout and influence to deliver meaningful development to Akwatia. This narrative aims to portray the NPP as ineffective and out of touch with the needs of the constituency, further bolstering the NDC’s case for Lawyer Baidoo.
The NDC’s campaign strategy hinges on presenting Lawyer Baidoo as a pragmatic choice who can effectively navigate the political landscape to secure tangible benefits for Akwatia. This approach contrasts sharply with the NDC’s characterization of the NPP as a marginalized political entity, relegated to holding press conferences and lacking the power to effect real change. The by-election, therefore, becomes framed as a choice between a candidate who can deliver and a party that cannot.
This election holds significant weight for both the NDC and NPP. For the NDC, a victory in Akwatia would not only secure them a parliamentary seat but also serve as a symbolic victory against the ruling party. It would reinforce their claim of being the party best suited to represent the interests of the people and deliver on their promises. For the NPP, retaining the seat would be crucial for maintaining their political standing and demonstrating their continued relevance and ability to govern effectively. A loss could be interpreted as a further erosion of public support and could potentially embolden the opposition.
The Akwatia by-election is more than just a contest for a single parliamentary seat. It represents a microcosm of the larger political dynamics at play in the country. The outcome of this election could have wider implications for the political landscape, influencing the narrative surrounding the effectiveness of both the ruling party and the opposition, and impacting the trajectory of future political contests. The people of Akwatia hold the power to decide which party’s vision for their constituency aligns best with their aspirations and who they believe can best represent their interests in Parliament.
