Bernard Bediako wins Akwatia by-election for NDC

Bernard Bediako of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the Akwatia by-election.

The Electoral Commission has certified results showing Bediako securing 18,199 votes of the total valid votes cast. His closest rival, Kwame Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 15,235 votes.

Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) trailed far behind with 82 votes. Out of the total ballots cast, 33,819 were valid, while 303 were rejected.

In the Akwatia by-election, NDC candidate Bernard Bediako was leading, according to initial tallies from Electoral Commission collation centres. Early figures show he has secured over 18,000 votes, representing 54.1% of ballots cast, while his closest rival, Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has slightly more than 15,000 votes.

Across Akwatia, Bernard Bediako is maintaining his lead in the by-election, as results from all 119 polling stations continue to be aggregated. Electoral Commission officials, security personnel, and party representatives are closely monitoring the process, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Observers suggest that Bediako’s early advantage may shape the final outcome in this high-profile contest.

The by-election became necessary following the death of Ernest Kumi, the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, earlier this year. Bernard Bediako and Kwame Asumadu ran vigorous campaigns, connecting with voters through rallies, community outreach, and media appearances. Akwatia’s reputation as a swing constituency has drawn national attention, with the by-election viewed as an important indicator of party strength ahead of the 2028 general elections.

While some NDC supporters have begun celebrating Bediako’s early lead, party leaders have called for patience until the Electoral Commission officially releases certified results. Security personnel remain deployed at collation centres and strategic locations to maintain order and ensure a smooth, peaceful process throughout the constituency.

The by-election was necessitated by the death of Akwatia’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi, earlier this year. Campaigning in the lead-up to the poll was intense, with both the NDC and the NPP heavily investing resources and manpower in the constituency.