By Daniel Bampoe
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region finds itself in the eye of a political storm following a dramatic parliamentary primary that has reignited internal tensions, sparked accusations of betrayal, and potentially deepened voter apathy ahead of an anticipated by-election.
In a closely contested internal race, the Constituency Secretary, Bernard Bediako Baido, a private legal practitioner, emerged victorious with 389 votes to become the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the by-election slated for 2nd September, 2025.
He defeated Erasmus Koney Ali, popularly known as “Asanka,” who polled 366 votes, and former Member of Parliament Henry Boakye Yiadom, who trailed with 226 votes.
Out of 975 total votes cast, three were rejected, leaving 972 valid ballots.
Its alleged that the Lawyer, Bernard Baido paid an amount of GHC 2000 each to the delegates with the support of the miners in the Constituency as his opponents, the former MP and Erasmus Ali Asanka also paid GHC 500 each to the delegates.
But the outcome has been anything but unifying.
Bernard Baido’s candidacy—and ultimate victory—has sparked fierce outrage within the party’s grassroots, particularly among supporters of Ali Asanka, a longstanding figure in local politics.
Their outrage stems not only from the outcome but the symbolism attached to it: Bernard Bediako Baido was the very lawyer who represented the former MP, Boakye Yiadom, in a controversial court case that many believe contributed to the untimely death of the NPP’s sitting MP, Ernest Kumi.
The Court Battle
The Akwatia seat became vacant following the death of Ernest Kumi, a youthful and rising figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), whose brief tenure was marred by a protracted legal battle initiated by the NDC.
The NDC party, represented legally by Bernard Baido, challenged Ernest Kumi’s legitimacy in court, citing an alleged over-voting incident involving a single ballot at a polling station in New Wenchi.
The NDC’s legal argument centred on the demand for a full audit of ballots in the area.
After a back-and-forth, the Supreme Court declared Ernest Kumi the winner of the 2024 Akwatia Parliamentary election.
Just a few weeks later, his sudden death cut short his political future.
While no official cause has directly linked the court proceedings to his demise, the perception remains strong within sections of the NPP and even among some in the NDC that the litigation took a toll on him.
Thereafter, the NPP, after a deep consultation, elected the Constituency Treasurer, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, as their Parliamentary candidate for the upcoming by-election.
In a twist of political irony, the NDC Constituency Secretary, Bernard Baido—the lawyer who fought the legal battle against Ernest Kumi—picked nomination forms and has now secured the NDC’s slot to contest the seat, defeating the same client he once represented.
This development has been described by critics as a betrayal of trust and political opportunism.
Asanka’s Loyalists Revolt
Erasmus “Asanka” Ali’s defeat has not been taken lightly by his supporters.
A mining contractor and veteran political figure in the Constituency, Asanka has for decades been a household name in Akwatia politics.
A former Assemblyman and one-time Presiding Member of the Denkyembour District Assembly, Asanka was known for his cross-party appeal, having wielded influence even during NPP administration.
Despite his pedigree, Asanka has often been sidelined by party power brokers, a pattern that repeated itself in this primary.
Videos circulating on social media show angry delegates—many visibly upset—vowing to ensure the NDC loses the upcoming by-election.
“We are voting for the NPP candidate,” some were heard declaring, alleging that delegates were paid between GHS 2,000 and GHS 4,000 to vote against Asanka.
“There is no loyalty in this party anymore,” one disgruntled delegate told reporters. “They chose a man who helped destroy the NDC’s image and contributed to the death of our opponent. We’ll not campaign. Let NDC lose.”
NPP Eyes Redemption but Cautions Against Complacency
The NPP candidate is seen as continuing Ernest Yaw Kumi’s vision and connecting deeply with the youth and miners in the constituency.
On Monday evening, most of the residents of Akwatia who spoke to journalists felt disappointed in the NDC for dumping Asanka and going for the Lawyer, whom they felt had betrayed the former MP.
Scores of them threaten to vote against the NDC candidate since they see the NPP candidate, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, as a more grassroots person and competent than the NDC candidate.
Some alleged that they voted against the former NDC MP due to his poor human relations with them, which were very bad.
Economic Frustration May Define the Race
Beyond party feuds and emotional grievances, the by-election will likely be shaped by the economic grievances of miners in Akwatia.
Since the NPP exited office in January 2025, the Ghana Gold Marketing Board (GOLDBOARD)—under the current NDC-led government—has slashed the purchase price of a pound of gold from GHS 13,400 to around GHS 8,300, a loss of roughly GHS 5,000 per pound.
In Akwatia town, where artisanal mining is the economic lifeline, this price cut has led to widespread discontent.
Reports gathered that the operators report losing tens of thousands of cedis weekly, with many halting operations altogether.
As a result, the NDC candidate may face backlash not just for intra-party betrayals but for national policy disillusionment.
A Fight for Legacy—and Redemption
The Akwatia by-election is shaping up to be more than just a race for a parliamentary seat.
It’s a referendum on party loyalty, grassroots democracy, justice, and economic policy.
For the NDC, it is a fight to reclaim a seat that has become a symbol of unresolved grief and fractured internal unity. For the NPP, it is a chance to honour the legacy of a fallen comrade and ride the wave of opposition missteps.
