The people of Akwatia in the Eastern Region are voting today, Tuesday, September 2, in a by-election that has captured nationwide attention and is being closely watched as a measure of Ghana’s political climate ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of the incumbent MP, Ernest Kumi, and has since become a hotly contested race between the country’s two major parties—the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC is fielding Bernard Bediako Baidoo, while the NPP has presented Solomon Kwame Asumadu. Their campaigns, marked by house-to-house outreach, rallies, and the involvement of national party heavyweights, have transformed Akwatia into a political battleground.
Beyond deciding who represents Akwatia in Parliament, political analysts say the outcome will send strong signals about voter sentiments across Ghana. A victory for the NPP would reinforce its grip on the constituency, while an NDC win would boost its momentum going into 2028.
To ensure the credibility of the polls, the Electoral Commission has put in place special arrangements for the distribution of materials, collation of results, and monitoring of proceedings. Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has deployed over 5,500 officers to safeguard the exercise, with strict warnings against violence or electoral malpractice.
With more than 50,000 registered voters expected to participate, Akwatia has become a microcosm of Ghana’s political future—its choice today could shape the narrative of the next general election.
