BY Daniel Bampoe
The people of Akwatia in the Eastern Region go to the polls today, September 2, 2025, in a by-election that has become one of the fiercest political contests in recent years.
The election, triggered by the sudden death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has drawn nationwide attention, not only for its political significance but also for the controversies and clashes that have marked the process.
Background
The Akwatia parliamentary seat became vacant after the death of Ernest Kumi few months ago.
His passing forced the Electoral Commission (EC) to organize a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
The NPP is fielding Solomon Kwame Asumadu as its candidate, while the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is represented by Bernard Bediako Baidoo.
With over 50,000 registered voters, the contest is widely viewed as a referendum on the eight months of President John Mahama’s administration.
Allegations of Vote-Buying
Reports from several polling centers indicate that the by-election has been marred by claims of voter inducement.
Eyewitnesses allege that the NDC has been distributing GHS 500 cash along with 5 kilograms of rice to voters in a bid to secure their loyalty.
The party, however, has not officially responded to these allegations.
Critics say the practice undermines democratic principles, especially given that the government has only been in office for eight months.
Widow of Late MP Joins Campaign Trail
Comfort Kumi, widow of the late MP, was also spotted at Akyem Wenchi after casting her vote earlier in the day.
She moved through parts of the constituency, urging voters to back the NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu as a way of continuing her late husband’s legacy.
Her public involvement has energized NPP supporters and added an emotional dimension to the race.
Violence And Clashes
The election has not been without tension. A scuffle broke out at the Akwatia Lorry Station polling center between Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the NPP’s Third National Vice Chairman, and the security detail of NDC Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka.
In the melee, Alhaji Masawudu was reportedly slapped.
The confrontation was quickly contained, but it heightened fears of electoral violence in the constituency.
Elsewhere, chaos erupted at the NDC party office after alleged attempts by NPP supporters to remove posters belonging to the NDC candidate.
Police intervened, arresting one individual. Authorities later assured voters that security was under control and that acts of intimidation or interference with the electoral process would not be tolerated.
Security and Oversight
The Ghana Police Service deployed more than 5,500 officers across the constituency to maintain order.
The EC also reassured all political actors that the election would be free, fair, and transparent, emphasizing that no form of electoral malpractice would be condoned.
A Contest Beyond Akwatia
Beyond the local dynamics, the Akwatia by-election is being closely monitored at the national level. Both the NDC and the NPP have deployed senior party officials and national executives to campaign in the constituency, recognizing the symbolic weight the seat carries.
A win for the NDC would be touted as a validation of Mahama’s early months in office, while a victory for the NPP would be celebrated as proof that the ruling party’s support base is shrinking.
