The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally conceded defeat in a closely watched by-election in Akwatia, where candidate Bediako emerged victorious with a decisive margin.
According to certified results from the Electoral Commission, Bediako garnered 18,199 of the 33,819 valid votes cast, securing the parliamentary seat. His closest challenger, the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu, received 15,235 votes. The Liberal Party of Ghana's candidate, Owusu Patrick, trailed significantly, earning just 82 votes. An additional 303 ballots were rejected.
The by-election was prompted by the death of sitting NPP Member of Parliament Ernest Kumi, whose political and legal troubles had drawn national attention in the months leading up to his passing.
Speaking in the aftermath of the loss, NPP Eastern Regional Secretary Tony Osei-Adjei acknowledged the outcome as a setback but affirmed the party’s respect for the electorate’s decision.
“We are a bit disappointed because that wasn’t what we expected, but the constituents have spoken, so we take it in good faith,” Mr. Osei-Adjei said.
He also expressed regret that the party was unable to hold the seat in honor of the late Mr. Kumi, describing his final months as a relentless effort to regain political and personal standing within the constituency.
“To some extent, we disappointed him,” Mr. Osei-Adjei said. “He lost his life trying to maintain the seat. He gave everything — running every bit of his life — to restore his honour and dignity.”
The result delivers a symbolic blow to the NPP in a region long considered a stronghold, raising fresh questions about party strategy and public sentiment ahead of the general elections.
