Here’s a comprehensive and accurate update on the Akwatia Constituency Parliamentary By-Election scheduled for September 2, 2025:
Akwatia By-Election: Everything You Need to Know
Election Overview
The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that a by-election will be held on Tuesday, 2 September 2025 in the Akwatia Constituency, Eastern Region, following the untimely death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi in July 2025. The election is required by Article 112(5) of Ghana’s Constitution.
Candidates & Campaign
- NDC: Bernard Bediako Baidoo, legal practitioner.
- NPP: Solomon Kwame Asumadu (“Owuo”), a licensed small-scale gold miner.
The NDC and NPP have intensified campaigning, with both parties deploying officials and establishing safeguarding measures across the constituency.
Polls by Global Info Analytics conducted from August 27–28 indicate:
- Committed voters: Baidoo (53%) vs Asumadu (47%).
- Likely voters: Baidoo (47%), Asumadu (42%), with 11% undecided.
Election Significance
Akwatia—a diamond-rich ‘swing’ seat—has alternated between NDC and NPP. The NPP’s Kumi won by just over 2,000 votes in the 2024 general election. This by-election is seen as a test of both President Mahama’s new administration and the NPP’s resilience, amid national debates on the economy and governance.
Polling Day: 2 September 2025
Voting in Progress
Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. across all 119 centers, with approximately 52,000 registered voters expected to vote.
Security & Peace Assurance
- EC Deployment: 484 electoral officers across the constituency.
- Police Deployment: Over 5,000 officers; ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi emphasized their role is to protect, not intimidate voters.
- IGP Yohuno toured the Obenewa Preparatory polling station, assuring full preparedness and transparency.
- Eastern Regional Minister (Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey) affirmed voter safety across the constituency, praising turnout and smooth logistics.
- Peace Council (via Dr. George Amoh) expressed confidence in robust arrangements, citing EC-Police collaboration and early warning systems.
- Civil Society groups (CFF-Ghana, DCN) stressed the need for peaceful conduct and condemned provocative “war songs” shared online.
Snapshot Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| By-Election Date | 2 September 2025 |
| Vacancy Cause | Death of MP Ernest Kumi (July 2025) |
| Major Candidates | NDC: Bernard Bediako Baidoo; NPP: Solomon Kwame Asumadu |
| Polling Infrastructure | 119 centers, 484 EC officials |
| Security Operations | 5,000+ police personnel deployed |
| Key Stakeholder Roles | EC, Police, Peace Council, Regional Minister, CSOs |
| Significance | Political temperature indicator for 2028; economic development implications |
| Media & Polls | Global Info analytics shows narrow lead for NDC; intensive media interest |
| EC Process | Nominations between 11–13 August; standard filing requirements (forms, endorsements, fees) |
The Akwatia by-election not only fills a parliamentary vacancy but also serves as a litmus test for Ghana’s political direction and election integrity ahead of the next general election.
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