NDC snatches Akwatia seat from NPP

The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has snatched the Akwatia parliamentary seat from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in a fiercely contested by-election marred by allegations of cash-for-votes, voter intimidation, and internal party divisions.

Per provisional results at press time, the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo secured 18,199 votes (54.10%), defeating NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu, who garnered 15,235 votes (45.39%).

Out of 33,599 valid votes cast, 274 ballots were rejected across the 119 polling stations in the constituency.

Akwatia’s Electoral Background

The Akwatia constituency in the Eastern Region has historically been one of the most unpredictable swing seats, alternating between the NDC and NPP in close-contest elections.

In 2016, the NPP captured the seat from the NDC’s Baba Jamal, only for the NDC to reclaim it in 2020 with businessman Henry Yiadom Boakye, popularly known as “Oyeadeɛyie.”

However, in the 2024 general election, Yiadom lost narrowly to the NPP’s Ernest Yaw Kumi, whose victory was challenged in court but upheld by the Supreme Court.

The by-election was necessitated by the untimely death of Ernest Kumi in July 2025 after a short illness, creating a political vacuum in the constituency.

NDC’s High-Stakes Gamble

The NDC selected Bernard Bediako Baidoo, a lawyer and the party’s constituency secretary, as its candidate.

His selection, however, triggered internal controversy as he defeated former MP Henry Yiadom and veteran grassroots mobiliser Erasmus Ali Asanka in a divisive primary marred by allegations of vote buying.

Despite the discontent, the NDC poured massive resources into the campaign.

Party strategists told residents to back lawyer Baidoo because “the NDC is in power and can bring development,” unlike the NPP, now in opposition.

Cash-for-Votes Allegations

Reports from multiple polling centres indicated widespread inducements.

Residents in Zongo-Vawaso and surrounding areas openly admitted they were waiting for cash before casting their ballots, saying past elections had “trained” them to expect handouts.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the NDC distributed as much as ₵500 cash plus 5kg bags of rice to lure voters.

Though the party denied wrongdoing, the heavy presence of security reportedly disrupted free-flowing inducements, frustrating some voters.

Tensions And Violence

The by-election was not without chaos. At the Akwatia Lorry Station polling centre, NPP’s Third Vice Chairman Alhaji Osman Masawudu clashed with the security detail of NDC’s Sofo Azorka, leading to a physical altercation in which Masawudu was reportedly slapped.

Elsewhere, police arrested an individual after NPP supporters allegedly attempted to destroy NDC posters. Despite these incidents, the Electoral Commission and Ghana Police Service maintained that security was under control, deploying over 5,500 officers to maintain peace.

Sympathy Factor and Widow’s Role

Comfort Kumi, widow of the late MP Ernest Kumi, added an emotional layer to the campaign.

She was seen urging voters to rally behind the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu in memory of her husband’s legacy.

Her appeal, however, failed to swing the tide in favour of the opposition.

Akwatia in National Focus

The Akwatia by-election has been viewed as a referendum on President Mahama’s first eight months in office.

For the NDC, the victory is a major morale booster, tightening its grip on Parliament and demonstrating the effectiveness of its resource-heavy campaign strategy.

For the NPP, however, the defeat is a major setback, especially in a constituency once considered a stronghold.

The party’s absence at the collation centre, where its agents reportedly abandoned the process after signs of an NDC win, highlighted its frustration.

The Bigger Picture: By-Elections In Ghana

By-elections in Ghana have historically carried symbolic weight.

Since 1996, both NPP and NDC have alternated victories in such contests, often influenced by incumbency and resource deployment.

The NDC’s win in Akwatia adds to this trend, reinforcing the perception that ruling parties often leverage state power and cash inducements to tilt by-election outcomes in their favour.