Voters in the Akwatia constituency of the Eastern Region head to the polls today to elect a new Member of Parliament (MP), following the declaration of the seat as vacant.
The by-election, supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC), has attracted strong interest from political parties, civil society groups, and election observers. Security agencies have also been deployed to ensure a peaceful and orderly process.
The poll was necessitated by the death of the sitting MP, Ernest Kumi, who passed away recently after a short illness. Kumi, a first-term legislator on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had been involved in a high-profile legal battle over the legitimacy of his seat.
His passing came just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned his contempt conviction relating to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results—marking a significant loss to both his constituents and the NPP.
Constituency profile
Akwatia is historically regarded as a swing constituency, with elections often keenly contested between the NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The seat has therefore become a political hotspot, drawing attention well beyond the Eastern Region.
Candidates and campaigns
The by-election has drawn candidates from the NPP, NDC, other political parties, and an independent aspirant. The NPP is fielding Solomon Kwame Asumadu, while the NDC has presented Bernard Bediako Baidoo.
Both men have campaigned vigorously in recent weeks, supported by their respective party leaders and national executives, who have made several high-profile visits to the constituency.
Campaign messages have largely focused on development concerns such as unemployment, poor road networks, and healthcare infrastructure—issues that remain central to the daily lives of Akwatia residents.
Security and preparedness
The EC has assured stakeholders of a transparent and credible election. Ballot materials were dispatched to polling stations ahead of voting, with polls scheduled to open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.
To guarantee security, the Ghana Police Service has deployed more than 5,500 officers across the constituency. Police authorities have cautioned against acts of violence, voter intimidation, or breaches of electoral regulations, stressing their readiness to act decisively against offenders.
With more than 50,000 registered voters expected to cast their ballots, today’s by-election is not only about filling a vacant seat but also serves as a crucial test of strength for the two major political parties. For many in Akwatia, however, the priority remains electing a representative capable of addressing the constituency’s pressing development needs.