Akwatia: The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared victory in the Akwatia by-election, even before the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially announced the results. Mr. Rashid Tanko Computer, Deputy Director of Elections and IT of the NDC, revealed in a media interview that the Party’s internal collations from 111 polling stations indicated their candidate’s lead, supported by certified pink sheets.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Rashid Tanko Computer reported that the NDC had secured 17,035 votes, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) trailed with 14,077 votes. This tally gives the NDC a percentage of 54.46, compared to the NPP’s 45 percent. Mr. Tanko confidently stated, “As we speak now, the place is green for the NDC.” Meanwhile, NDC supporters in Akwatia are celebrating in various parts of the constituency, waving party flags and donning party colors, as they eagerly await the official confirmation from the EC.

The Akwatia Constituency, located in the Eastern Region, held the by-election following the death of Mr. Ernest Yaw Kumi of the NPP. Approximately 52,000 registered voters were expected to vote at 119 polling stations in this constituency, which has gained significant attention as a political swing seat. The NPP put forth Mr. Solomon Kwame Asumadu, a small-scale miner and graduate, while the NDC fielded Mr. Bernard Bediako Baidoo, a lawyer and constituency secretary.

Since 1992, Akwatia has alternated political control between the NPP and NDC, making it one of Ghana’s most competitive swing constituencies. The NPP currently leads with five victories, compared to four for the NDC. The constituency’s history includes victories for both parties, with notable wins by the NDC’s Mr. Gilbert Kwasi Agyei in 1992 and Alhaji Mohammed Erzuah Siam in 1996. The NPP broke this streak in 2000 with Mr. Kinston Akomeng Kissi, who retained the seat in 2004. Subsequent elections have seen the seat change hands multiple times, with the NDC’s Mr. Henry Yiadom Boakye winning in 2020, only for the NPP’s Mr. Ernest Kumi to reclaim it in 2024.

Prior to the by-election, opinion polls conducted by Global Info Analytics favored Mr. Baidoo of the NDC as the likely winner. The NPP, however, dismissed these projections, expressing confidence that sympathy for the late Mr. Kumi and strong grassroots mobilization would secure their victory.