Voters in the Eastern Region’s Akwatia Constituency are casting ballots Tuesday in a closely watched parliamentary by-election triggered by the death of sitting Member of Parliament Ernest Kumi. The vote is shaping up to be a pivotal test of political strength between Ghana’s two dominant parties ahead of the 2028 general elections.
More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to participate in the one-day contest, with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) fielding Bernard Bediako Baidoo and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) represented by Solomon Kwame Asumadu. Both parties have invested heavily in the race, dispatching national leadership figures to bolster local campaigns and energize supporters.
The Ghana Police Service has deployed over 5,500 officers across the constituency to maintain order and ensure a peaceful voting process. Authorities have issued stern warnings against electoral malpractice, including voter intimidation and violence, vowing swift enforcement of electoral law.
The Electoral Commission has sought to allay concerns over transparency, pledging a credible vote with logistical improvements to facilitate timely delivery of materials and efficient collation of results.
While the Akwatia seat represents a single district, the political implications are national in scale. Analysts say Tuesday’s outcome may serve as an early barometer of voter sentiment ahead of the 2028 national polls, offering insight into the prevailing momentum within Ghana’s two-party system.
The by-election comes amid a broader political recalibration as both the NDC and NPP begin positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested general election in three years.
