Mahama wants to work with Bediako, vote for him – Julius Debrah to Akwatia voters

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.

Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, Rashid Tanko Computer, has also indicated the latest Global Info Analytics poll, which projected the party’s candidate, Bernard Baidoo Bediako, to secure 53% of the vote, while the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu was expected to get 47%. The NDC insists that it is poised to deliver a heavy defeat to the NPP in the September 2 contest.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, August 29, 2025, Mr. Tanko Computer said the party’s extensive groundwork in the constituency was paying off. He highlighted that the NDC’s strong presence across communities was translating into voter support, positioning the party to deal a heavy defeat to the NPP.

“We have been everywhere in the constituency, engaging residents and ensuring our message reaches all corners. I am confident that we are going to win massively on Tuesday,” he said.