In a closely watched political contest that has captured national attention, Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has emerged victorious in the Akwatia by-election, held on September 2, 2025.
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The Electoral Commission officially declared his win following a tense but largely peaceful polling day.
Election Outcome and Key Figures
- NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo: Won with 18,199 votes, securing 54.30% of the valid ballots.
- NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu: Tallied 15,235 votes.
- Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) candidate, Patrick Owusu: Received a marginal 82 votes.
- Rejected ballots: 303 out of approximately 33,819 total votes cast at 119 polling stations.
The margin of victory was roughly 2,964 votes, signaling a significant win for the NDC in a constituency known for its electoral volatility.
High-Stakes Battle in Akwatia’s “Swing Seat”
Akwatia has long been a political bellwether, switching allegiance between major parties over the years. The seat became vacant after the untimely death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi, leading to the by-election. With the NDC reclaiming the seat, this result is seen as an important indicator ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Senior party officials from both the NDC and NPP poured into the constituency during the campaign period, making the election one of the most intense in recent memory. The NDC credited its ground-level mobilization and message of unity for their success, while the NPP remained optimistic about future prospects.
Security Measures Ensure a Peaceful Poll
Maintaining calm during the election was paramount. Over 5,500 police officers were deployed across Akwatia to safeguard the electoral process and deter violence. While mostly peaceful, authorities reported isolated incidents, including one arrest involving the tearing down of campaign posters at a polling station.
No major complaints of vote-buying surfaced during the election, thanks in part to rigorous enforcement of electoral rules. Turnout, however, was lower than in the previous general election—a common trend in by-elections where voter engagement tends to dip.
Party Reactions and Political Significance
Following the declaration, NDC supporters celebrated enthusiastically, though party leadership urged calm and respect for the official results. In a statement, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs, praised NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, crediting his strategic guidance for the victory and labeling him “an electionist” for his deep political insight.
For the NPP, the loss marked a setback in Eastern Region politics. However, party insiders called for internal reflection and stronger grassroots organization in preparation for future elections.
Also Read:Aboagye’s Bold Message to NDC Stirs Debate –
Post-Election Outlook for Akwatia
With the election behind them, attention is now turning to governance and development in Akwatia. Key expectations include:
- A swift transition to allow Bernard Bediako Baidoo to assume his parliamentary responsibilities.
- Discussions around local development projects, especially given Akwatia’s historical role as Ghana’s diamond hub.
- The central government’s duty to keep campaign promises and address pressing community needs.
Media and civil society groups reinforce that Bediako will be closely monitored, with constituents urging immediate action on infrastructure, education, and employment.
Casting Light on a Turning Point
The Akwatia by-election signals a shift in Ghana’s political landscape. The emergence of Bernard Bediako Baidoo as MP-elect reflects both voter dissatisfaction with status quo politics and growing support for change-oriented leadership.
As Ghana moves forward, this by-election will be remembered as more than a local contest—it may well be a precursor to broader shifts on the national political stage, highlighting the power of unity, strategy, and informed voting.
