EC to begin ballot printing for Akwatia by-election

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that the printing of ballot papers for the Akwatia parliamentary by-election will commence on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The disclosure followed a high-level meeting convened on Tuesday by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) with representatives of political parties to deliberate on security preparations and strategies to curb electoral violence ahead of the poll.

What The EC Revealed Abou The ballot printing for Akwatia by-election

Speaking to journalists after the engagement, the EC’s Director of Electoral Services, Benjamin Bano-Bioh, confirmed that all arrangements had been finalized for ballot production. “We are set to begin printing tomorrow. Every required material for the by-election has been duly procured, and we are ready to proceed,” he assured.

Mr. Bano-Bioh reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conduct a transparent and credible process. “The EC will execute its mandate with professionalism, and we urge all political parties to respect the electoral rules,” he emphasized.

The IGP, on his part, briefed the parties on detailed security deployments, stressing that law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant to ensure peace before, during, and after the election.

The by-election comes after the death of New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator Ernest Yaw Kumi in July 2025, who passed away while in office, leaving the Akwatia seat vacant. His untimely death has intensified political activity in the constituency as parties prepare for a competitive contest.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on all its members, supporters, and well-wishers to throw their full weight behind the party’s campaign for the upcoming Akwatia by-election.

In a statement issued on August 16, 2025, and signed from its regional office in Koforidua, the Secretariat described the by-election as a defining moment for the NDC’s grassroots mobilisation and a chance to reaffirm its strength under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.

“As we continue in our collective mission to build a better Ghana under the visionary leadership of H.E John Mahama, we invite all members, supporters, and sympathizers to join us in actively campaigning for our parliamentary candidate in the upcoming Akwatia by-election,” the statement read.

The party emphasised that the contest provides a “crucial opportunity” to reclaim Akwatia and send a strong message of unity. According to the Secretariat, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has demonstrated commitment to representing the hopes and aspirations of the people, and the duty now rests on the NDC family to rally behind him for a “resounding victory.”

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The statement outlined the party’s campaign strategy, which will rely on door-to-door outreach, community engagements, and broad voter mobilisation across the constituency. To coordinate these activities, the NDC announced its Akwatia Party Office as the deployment centre for volunteers. Supporters willing to contribute financially or physically to the campaign have been directed to contact Mohammed Ismail on 0244974106.