Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the Akwatia by-election, delivering a crucial victory for the government in one of the most keenly contested electoral battles of the year. The Electoral Commission’s certified results showed Bediako securing 18,199 votes of the total valid votes cast. His closest rival, Kwame Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 15,235 votes. Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) trailed far behind with 82 votes. Out of the total ballots cast, 33,819 were valid, while 303 were rejected.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of Akwatia’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi, earlier this year. Campaigning in the lead-up to the poll was intense, with both the NDC and NPP heavily investing resources and manpower in the constituency. Voting took place across 119 polling stations in Akwatia on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Polls officially closed at 5 p.m., after which sorting and counting were conducted in the presence of party agents, security officers, and independent observers. Bediako’s victory sparked jubilant celebrations among NDC supporters, who poured onto the streets of Akwatia in song and dance.
Political analysts note that the result carries significant weight, as Akwatia has historically been a swing constituency, alternating between the NPP and NDC in past elections. The NDC’s latest win is being seen as a major boost to the governing party’s confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
With this outcome, Bernard Bediako becomes the new MP for Akwatia, promising to continue the work of his predecessor while advancing the development agenda of the government in the constituency.
Source: Abigail Arthur
