Three aspirants have formally entered the race to secure the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nomination in the upcoming parliamentary by-election in the Akwatia constituency, following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament.
The contenders—former MP Henry Boakye, current constituency secretary Bernard Bediako Baidoo, and Erasmus Koney Ali—picked up nomination forms ahead of the party’s internal deadline. Per the NDC’s election timetable, all candidates will undergo vetting on Thursday, July 31, with balloting scheduled for the same day. The primary will be held on Monday, August 4.
The Akwatia seat became vacant after the sudden passing of the incumbent, triggering the need for a by-election. The NDC is moving swiftly to select a new standard-bearer in what is expected to be a competitive race.
Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sidestepped a primary contest, instead coalescing around Solomon Kwame Asumadu, Chief Executive Officer of Owuo Mining Company, as its candidate. Party officials said the decision followed extensive stakeholder consultations that favored a consensus approach.
Earlier speculation that the late MP’s widow, Mrs. Mavis Kumi, might be nominated was flatly denied by Eastern Regional NPP Chairman Jeff Konadu, who labeled such reports as “false and misleading.”
The by-election is shaping up as a key test of party strength in the Eastern Region ahead of the 2026 general elections.
