By-election: Voting underway in Akwatia

Residents of Akwatia have begun casting their ballots in a key by-election to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of former MP Ernest Kumi.

Voting is underway in Akwatia, where over 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots. The by-election has drawn national attention as a key contest between the country’s two main political parties.

Election officials report that polling is proceeding smoothly in Akwatia, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) fielding Bernard Bediako Baidoo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) represented by Solomon Kwame Asumadu. Both candidates have conducted intensive campaigns in recent weeks, hosting rallies and receiving visits from party leaders and national executives.

Voting in Akwatia is taking place under heightened security measures. The Ghana Police Service has deployed more than 5,500 officers across the constituency to maintain law and order, safeguard voters, and prevent any acts of intimidation or disruption during polling.

The Electoral Commission has reassured political parties, candidates, and residents that the by-election will be conducted transparently and credibly. Special arrangements have been made to ensure timely delivery of election materials, effective monitoring at polling stations, and swift collation of results.

Political analysts note that voting underway in Akwatia may serve as a barometer of voter sentiment ahead of the 2028 general elections. Observers are closely monitoring turnout and trends, as the results could indicate momentum for either the NDC or NPP in the Eastern Region.

Authorities have called for calm, urging supporters of both parties to respect the process and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights freely.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has told voters in Akwatia that President John Dramani Mahama wants to work with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Bernard Bediako.

He urged residents to vote massively for Bediako in Tuesday’s by-election, stressing that the message was a direct appeal from the president himself.

Addressing supporters at Akwatia on Sunday, August 31, Mr. Debrah explained that President Mahama had personally asked him to convey his wish to collaborate with Bediako in Parliament.

According to him, electing Bediako would provide the president with a strong parliamentary partner, while also ensuring that Akwatia benefits from the government’s development initiatives.

“John Mahama says I should tell you, the people of Akwatia, that he wants to work with the NDC candidate Bernard Bediako in his government,” Mr. Debrah stated.

He added that a victory for Bediako would not only strengthen the NDC’s position but also enhance the constituency’s voice in national decision-making.

The Akwatia by-election, set for Tuesday, September 2, was triggered by the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi. Both the ruling NDC and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have intensified their campaigns ahead of the polls.

Independent surveys have tipped the NDC candidate as the frontrunner. A Sanity Africa poll conducted between August 1 and 27 placed Bediako at 52.3% support compared to 47.7% for the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu.

Similarly, a poll by Global Info Analytics projected Bediako at 53% against 47% for Asumadu, giving the NDC candidate a slim lead going into the election.

Mr. Debrah, however, cautioned party faithful against complacency, urging them to turn out in their numbers to secure victory for the NDC on election day.