Africa-Press – Ghana. The Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region goes to the polls on Tuesday, September 2, in a hotly contested parliamentary by-election following the death of Mr Ernest Yaw Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
About 52,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 119 polling stations in the constituency, which has gained national attention as a political swing seat.
The NPP is fielding Mr Solomon Kwame Asumadu, a 40-year-old small-scale miner and graduate of All Nations University, while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is presenting Mr Bernard Bediako Baidoo, a 40-year-old lawyer and constituency secretary of the party.
The Ghana News Agency observed Monday evening that although official campaigns closed earlier Monday, both parties have intensified door-to-door canvassing, seeking to persuade undecided voters and mobilise their bases for a high turnout.
Security has been heightened, with 5,500 police officers deployed to the constituency to maintain law and order.
The police have also begun searching all vehicles entering the Akwatia Township as part of measures to prevent disturbances.
The search on vehicles commenced at the Asamankese Police Barrier, with all vehicles using the Asamankese-Akwatia road being scrutinised.
The Akwatia Constituency has alternated between the NPP and NDC since 1992, making it one of Ghana’s most closely contested swing constituencies.
The NPP currently leads the head-to-head with five victories against the NDC’s four.
In 1992, the first election of the Fourth Republic, the seat was won by Gilbert Kwasi Agyei of the NDC.
In 1996, Alhaji Mohammed Erzuah Siam, also of the NDC, succeeded him. The NPP broke the dominance in 2000 when Kinston Akomeng Kissi captured the seat, which he retained in 2004.
In 2008, the NPP’s Kofi Asare won in a highly disputed election that required a rerun in six polling stations.
The NDC regained the seat in 2012 with Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed before losing it again to the NPP’s Mercy Adu-Gyamfi in 2016.
In 2020, Henry Yiadom Boakye of the NDC snatched it back, only for the NPP’s Ernest Kumi to win in 2024.
Opinion polls conducted by Global Info Analytics ahead of the by-election tipped the NDC candidate, Mr Baidoo, as the favourite.
The NPP has, however, dismissed the polls, expressing confidence that sympathy for the late Mr Kumi and its grassroots mobilisation will deliver victory.
The by-election will test the electoral strength of both parties less than a year after the 2024 general election and could provide an early indication of momentum going into 2028.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
