Voters in the Akwatia constituency will go to the polls on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, following the sudden death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi in July. Both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have intensified their campaigns to win the seat.
Candidates and campaign messages
The NPP is presenting Solomon Kwame Asumadu, a 40-year-old small-scale gold miner popularly known as “Owuo”. The NDC has chosen lawyer Bernard Bediako Baidoo as its candidate.
Observers say the by-election is more about testing the popularity and strength of the two main parties rather than changing the balance of Parliament, since the NDC already has a commanding majority. Political analysts note that an NDC win would reinforce confidence in the governing party, while a victory for the NPP would show it remains strong despite being in opposition.
Opinion polls and reactions
Pre-election polls suggest a tight race. A survey by Global Info Analytics in August gave the NDC’s Bernard Bediako a slim lead with 53% against 47% for Asumadu. Another survey by Sanity Africa produced similar results.
The NPP has dismissed these findings. Its National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, argued that the polls do not reflect reality and accused the NDC candidate of being “disrespectful” and out of touch with his community.
On the other hand, the NDC has called on voters to back its candidate. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, speaking on behalf of President Mahama, said an NDC win would ensure better cooperation with the government and bring more development to the constituency.
Electoral preparations and security
The Electoral Commission (EC) says all is ready for voting across 119 polling stations, with ballot papers, registers and biometric devices in place. A new result-scanning system will also be used to transmit results quickly to a central portal.
The Ghana Police Service has deployed more than 5,000 officers to maintain peace and security. The police stressed that polling stations are weapons-free areas and assured voters that the presence of security personnel is to protect, not intimidate, the public.
Why Akwatia matters
Akwatia is one of Ghana’s key swing constituencies. Since 1996, the seat has alternated between the NPP and NDC, each winning it four times.
While this by-election will not affect the parliamentary majority, both parties see it as a symbolic contest of popularity and a test of momentum ahead of future national elections.
