EC engages political parties ahead of Akwatia by-election

The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana will on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, meet with all political parties contesting the Akwatia by-election to brief them on electoral guidelines and ensure readiness for the polls scheduled for Tuesday, September 2.

The by-election follows the sudden death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who passed away after a short illness.

His demise has left the Akwatia parliamentary seat vacant, setting the stage for yet another fiercely contested electoral showdown in a constituency historically known for tense and sometimes violent political battles.

Speaking to journalists in Akwatia, the EC’s Eastern Regional Director, Joe Appiah Baffoe, underscored the Commission’s commitment to delivering a transparent and credible election.

According to him, the planned stakeholder meeting is aimed at building consensus, ironing out operational details, and providing an avenue for candidates and their representatives to raise concerns directly with the EC.

“Our common interest is to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election. We entreat all political parties to conform to the rules so that, in the end, we can all achieve the peaceful election we are seeking,” Mr. Baffoe stressed.

Political Landscape in Akwatia

Akwatia, often referred to as Ghana’s “diamond city” because of its long history of diamond mining, is located in the Denkyembuor District of the Eastern Region.

The constituency is made up of several towns including Boadua, Takorase, Apinaman, Dwenase, Wenchi and Sakyikrom, many of which have vibrant Zongo communities that have historically played a decisive role in electoral outcomes.

The seat has often been unpredictable, with a history of swinging between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Elections in Akwatia have also frequently been marred by pockets of violence, making it one of the Electoral Commission’s most closely monitored constituencies.

Candidates and Stakes

Both the NPP and NDC are fielding fresh faces in the September 2 by-election.

The NPP is presenting Solomon Kwame Asumadu, the party’s constituency treasurer and a miner by profession, who hails from Boadua.

The NDC on the other hand has settled on Bernard Bediako, its constituency secretary, a candidate with strong roots in Takorase, Kusi, and Wenchi — areas with a mix of swing and stronghold voting patterns.

The by-election is expected to test party loyalty, ethnic and community dynamics, as well as the appeal of new candidates promising development in a constituency grappling with challenges such as unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and declining diamond activity.

Security Concerns

Given Akwatia’s history of electoral violence, security remains a central concern.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has already assured residents of maximum security presence before, during, and after the polls.

Several security checkpoints have been set up across the constituency to deter potential disturbances.