The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is confident of securing victory in the upcoming Akwatia by-election, regardless of whether the National Democratic Congress (NDC) fields a candidate, according to Justin Frimpong Koduah, the party’s General Secretary.
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His bold claim underlines the NPP’s strong belief in its grassroots support and preparation for the highly anticipated vote.
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Why the NPP Is Confident
Speaking at a press engagement today, Frimpong Koduah stressed that the NPP has established a firm foothold in Akwatia constituency, and its influence remains undiminished. He stated, “NPP will win the Akwatia by-election whether the NDC contests or not.” His remarks reflect both the party’s strategic campaigning and its deep organizational structures on the ground.
Akwatia’s MP seat became vacant following the unexpected passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi earlier this month, necessitating a by-election that has drawn significant attention due to its competitive history and political symbolism.
Historical Context: Akwatia’s Political Swing
Akwatia has historically been a swing constituency, alternating between NPP and NDC control in recent years. In the 2024 general elections, the NPP’s Ernest Kumi narrowly defeated the NDC candidate, signaling the region’s fluid political loyalty—even within party strongholds. The sudden vacancy has now opened the door for both parties to assert dominance, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest.
NPP’s Strategic Approach
Frimpong Koduah emphasized the depth of the NPP’s grassroots mobilization, noting that:
- Strong local party structures remain active in villages and compounds.
- The party has already initiated door-to-door campaigns, reaching out to voters on key issues.
- Special campaign teams and volunteers are deeply engaged in outreach efforts, regardless of opposition presence.
He attributed the party’s confidence not to complacency, but to the resilience of its groundwork and the tight-knit networks within Akwatia.
Potential NDC Response
Though Koduah suggested that the NDC’s participation is unlikely to alter the outcome, the NDC has yet to formally announce its candidate. Political analysts and observers anticipate that the party may field a strong contender—possibly emerging from internal primaries—to reclaim the seat and reassert their presence in the Eastern Region.
A robust NDC campaign could transform the by-election into a dramatic showdown, drawing resources and attention from both national parties.
Voter Engagement and Key Issues
Frimpong Koduah underscored the party’s commitment to addressing local development priorities, including:
- Infrastructure upgrades (roads, clinics, schools)
- Agricultural support for farmers
- Youth employment and vocational training
- Improvement of water and sanitation facilities
The party’s message emphasizes continuity of development under NPP governance—a cornerstone of their appeal.
Election Date and NPP Candidate
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce the official date for the by-election soon. Currently, the NPP has nominated Solomon Asumadu—a seasoned grassroots organizer and constituency treasurer—as its parliamentary candidate.
Asumadu’s candidacy has been well received by local supporters, who describe him as “committed, resourceful, and connected to the people.”
The NPP’s optimism, expressed through Justin Frimpong Koduah’s statement, signals a strategic balance of grassroots confidence and preparation. Akwatia’s by-election, however, remains unpredictable—especially if the NDC mobilizes effectively or if unexpected players enter the race.
With voter sentiment and turnout set to play a critical role, this contest may serve as a bellwether for broader electoral trends in Ghana, offering insights into party strength ahead of future polls.
As NPP gears up for Akwatia, the party’s General Secretary has left no room for doubt—or humility—in public messaging. Whether this bold pronouncement becomes self-fulfilling or overreaching will depend on voter action, campaign momentum, and maybe even the NDC’s response strategy.
For now, all eyes are on Akwatia as Ghana prepares for a by-election that could shape political momentum nationwide.
