Akwatia By-Election: NDC Confirms Participation, Accuses NPP of Political Maneuvering
Accra, Ghana – 12 August, 2025 – The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Akwatia by-election, slated for September 2, 2025.
The party's decision comes on the heels of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) announcement not to field a candidate in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, following the tragic death of Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed in the August 6 helicopter crash.
The NDC has accused the NPP of engaging in a calculated political strategy to sway voter sentiment ahead of the Akwatia polls. According to an official statement signed by Godwin Ako Gunn, NDC Deputy National Communications Officer, the NPP's decision not to contest the Tamale Central by-election is a tactical move to avoid defeat and garner public sympathy. "This is not the first time that a political party has refused to contest in a by-election," Gunn stated, referencing the NDC's own decision not to contest the Ejisu seat after the demise of John Kumah.
The NDC has settled on Bernard Bediako Baidoo as its candidate for the Akwatia by-election. However, some party supporters have expressed anger, accusing Baidoo of vote buying. Despite this, the NDC remains confident of winning the election, citing its commitment to internal democracy, competent leadership, and people-centered governance.
The Akwatia by-election is expected to be closely watched, given the significance of the seat in the broader political landscape. The NPP had previously declared Ernest Yaw Kumi as the winner of the Akwatia parliamentary seat, but the NDC rejected the results, citing irregularities in the collation process and discrepancies in election documents.
The Akwatia by-election promises to be a crucial test of political strength for both the NDC and NPP. As the parties prepare for the election, tensions are running high, with each side confident of victory.
Source – Lead News Online/Jeff Ago
