NDC elects Bernard Baidoo as Akwatia Parliamentary Candidate

Lawyer and party activist Bernard Bediako Baidoo has been elected by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the parliamentary candidate for the impending Akwatia by-election. This followed a tightly contested internal election on Monday, August 4.

Baidoo pulled ahead in a three-man race, securing the nod with 380 votes. He narrowly beat entrepreneur Erasmus Ali Korney, who received 366 votes. Former lawmaker Henry Yiadom Boakye, who once held the Akwatia seat but lost it in 2024, finished third with 232 votes.

The internal contest was called after the sudden passing of sitting MP Ernest Yaw Kumi in July, triggering preparations for an expected by-election in September. The stakes are high, as the NDC seeks to reclaim the seat, which they held by a slim margin until the last election.

The declaration of results was made by Appiah Baffoe, the Electoral Commission’s regional officer, after a peaceful voting process.

Baidoo’s victory reflects a shift within the local NDC ranks, as the party turns to a younger legal brain to rally support ahead of the crucial by-election battle with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the date for a by-election for the Akwatia Constituency. This follows the vacancy of the parliamentary seat.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, and signed by the Chairperson, Mrs. Jean Mensa, the Commission said the by-election will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution.

The EC further indicated that nominations will be received at the Denkyembour District Office of the Commission from Monday, August 11 to Wednesday, August 13, 2025, during the hours of 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm each day.

Prospective candidates are to download nomination forms from the Commission’s website ([www.ec.gov.gh](http://www.ec.gov.gh)) from July 30 to August 13, 2025.

Each candidate must have their nomination form endorsed by two registered voters as proposer and seconder and supported by 18 additional registered voters from the constituency. Candidates are also required to provide written consent to the nomination and submit two passport-sized photographs taken against a red background, showing full face and ears.

The filing fee is GHC 10,000.00 per candidate. However, female candidates and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will pay a reduced fee of GHC 7,500.00. All completed forms are to be submitted in quadruplicate.