Ballot counting is currently underway in Ghana’s Akwatia Constituency following the close of polls in a high-stakes by-election that has drawn national attention.
The Electoral Commission confirmed that voting across the constituency’s 119 polling stations concluded at 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Electoral officers have since commenced the vote tallying process under the watchful eyes of party agents, security personnel, and independent election observers.
The by-election, triggered by the passing of incumbent Member of Parliament Ernest Kumi, has become a fiercely contested battleground between the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The NPP is seeking to retain the seat through its candidate Solomon Asumadu, while the NDC has fielded Bernard Badidoo Bediako in an effort to flip the constituency.
Voter turnout was described by election officials as “encouraging,” despite reports of isolated tensions earlier in the day. Security forces maintained a strong and visible presence throughout the process to prevent disruptions and safeguard the integrity of the vote.
Final results are expected to be declared by the Electoral Commission later Tuesday night. Analysts are watching the outcome closely as a barometer of public sentiment ahead of Ghana’s general elections scheduled for 2028
