President John Dramani Mahama is throwing his support behind Bernard Boidoo Bediako, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate in the closely watched Akwatia parliamentary by-election, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2.
In remarks delivered Sunday at a campaign event in the Eastern Region constituency, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah conveyed the president’s endorsement, urging voters to elect Bediako to bolster the party’s legislative presence and strengthen local development ties.
“President Mahama says I should tell you he wants to work with Bernard Bediako in his government,” Mr. Debrah told NDC supporters. His comments come as the party intensifies its campaign efforts in the final days before the vote.
The by-election follows the passing of sitting Member of Parliament Ernest Kumi, and has drawn national attention as a bellwether for political sentiment ahead of the 2028 general elections. The contest pits Bediako against Solomon Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Two recent polls show a narrow but consistent lead for the NDC candidate. A survey by research firm Sanity Africa, conducted between Aug. 1 and 27, shows Bediako with 52.3% support, compared to 47.7% for Asumadu—a 4.6-point advantage. A separate poll by Global Info Analytics places Bediako at 53%, versus 47% for his NPP rival.
Mr. Debrah urged voters to translate the NDC’s momentum into electoral victory, emphasizing that Bediako’s win would facilitate greater collaboration between Akwatia and the Mahama administration on infrastructure and social development initiatives.
The Akwatia seat has historically been competitive, making Tuesday’s outcome a potential signal of broader electoral trends.
