Voting is currently underway in the Akwatia Constituency, Eastern Region, where a hotly contested by-election is taking place following the untimely death of sitting MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are locked in a fierce contest across 119 polling stations, with each party vying to win the swing-seat.
Electoral Stakes and Background
Ernest Yaw Kumi, who took the parliamentary seat in December 2024, passed away in July 2025, creating a vacancy and prompting this by-election. The race now features Solomon Kwame Asumadu, a licensed small-scale gold miner representing the NPP, and Bernard Bediako Baidoo, a lawyer from the NDC.
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Akwatia has steadily built a reputation as a bellwether constituency; since 1996, it has oscillated between the NPP and NDC, making the outcome not just about this seat but symbolic of broader political trends.
Election Logistics and Security Measures
To ensure a smooth electoral process, the Electoral Commission has deployed 484 trained electoral officers overseeing the 119 polling locations. Additionally, over 5,000 police personnel have been stationed across the constituency, supported by multiple security checkpoints and heightened surveillance.
The Inspector General of Police urged officers to uphold professionalism and impartiality throughout the day to maintain order—especially important given past electoral tensions in parts of Ghana.
Voter Demographics and Voter Turnout Expectations
A total of 52,328 registered voters are eligible to cast ballots today. The electoral commission has assured that all ballot papers, biometric devices, and election materials were delivered securely and on time, ensuring transparency and accessibility throughout the constituency.
With the constituency’s diverse demographic—ranging from miners to teachers to small-business owners—turnout and voting patterns across polling stations will be closely watched.
Incidents and Peace Assurance
Despite one incident earlier in the day involving the removal of a candidate’s posters at a polling station, voting continued without further disruption. Police responded swiftly, arresting a suspect to prevent escalation. All political stakeholders, including party representatives, have pledged to uphold peace and respect the will of voters.
Potential Implications of the By-Election
While the result of the by-election will not alter the parliamentary majority, it bears political weight. A win for the NDC or NPP would serve as a cornerstone for momentum ahead of future national elections. Analysts suggest that a strong showing for the NDC could signal a shift in local loyalty, while an NPP victory would reinforce their recent gains in the region.
Public Sentiment and Media Coverage
The Akwatia by-election has drawn widespread attention across local and national media outlets, with live updates streaming on multiple platforms. Many voters interviewed expressed hope that the new representative would prioritize infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the constituency.
Local residents have also emphasized the importance of free, fair elections, focusing on the process rather than campaigning rhetoric.
Polling will close at 5:00 PM local time. As counting begins, all eyes will be on Akwatia to gauge voter sentiment in this Eastern Region stronghold. The results, expected later this evening, may offer insights into the electoral mood of Ghanaians as the nation prepares for the 2028 general elections.
