The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has tightened its grip on Parliament after winning the Akwatia by-election, reclaiming one of Ghana’s most hotly contested swing constituencies.
Legal practitioner Bernard Bediako Baidoo, representing the ruling party, secured a decisive victory in a contest that drew national attention as a measure of the NDC’s continued momentum since its return to power.
According to results declared by the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr. Baidoo, a private legal practitioner and first-time parliamentary candidate, polled 18,199 votes, representing about 54 percent of valid ballots cast.
His closest challenger, Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 15,235 votes, while Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) finished with 82 votes.
The victory strengthens the NDC’s dominance in Parliament and repositions the party in a constituency that has historically swung between the two main political forces.
Since the advent of multiparty democracy in 1992, the NPP has maintained a marginal 5–4 edge over the NDC in Akwatia.
Tuesday’s result, however, has not only narrowed that historical gap but also reaffirmed the ruling party’s strong showing since its triumph in the December 2024 general elections.
Victory Speech
In his post-election remarks, the MP-elect expressed deep gratitude to his constituents for the confidence reposed in him.
“This victory belongs to the good people of Akwatia, who have once again demonstrated their commitment to change and to progress. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in me, and I pledge to serve with distinction and humility”.
Bernard Bediako Baidoo
He also thanked the leadership of the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama for their support. “I extend my appreciation to our hardworking party executives for their tireless efforts, and to His Excellency President Mahama for his guidance and inspiration. Together, we will not fail the people of Akwatia,” he added.
The outcome validated projections made by polling firm Global InfoAnalytics, which had placed Mr. Baidoo slightly ahead of his NPP rival before the election.
Their survey suggested a 53 percent lead for the NDC candidate against 47 percent for Mr. Asumadu. Tuesday’s result fell squarely within that forecast, reinforcing the credibility of the polling outfit.
With Mr. Baidoo’s win, the NDC now commands 185 seats in Parliament, in addition to four independent MPs who consistently align with the ruling party.
The opposition NPP, by contrast, holds 87 seats, highlighting the shifting balance of power in Ghana’s legislature since its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
NDC’s Political Capital
For the Mahama administration, the expanded majority provides additional political capital to push forward its legislative agenda, including key reforms in education, energy, and governance.
The by-election was triggered by the untimely demise of the then incumbent Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, compelling both the ruling NDC and the opposition NPP to field strong candidates.
Campaigning was intense, with the two parties deploying senior figures and mobilising resources in a bid to capture the seat. The relatively high voter turnout for a by-election underscored the constituency’s symbolic and strategic importance.
The Executive Director for the Gloabl InfoAnalytics, Mussa Danquah, suggests that the NDC’s grassroots mobilisation, coupled with Mr. Baidoo’s professional background, played a decisive role in the outcome.
His appeal as a lawyer and fresh face in parliamentary politics, he believes resonated with many voters, particularly younger constituents eager for new representation.
On the other hand, the NPP, still reeling from its electoral loss in 2024, struggled to counter the ruling party’s strong campaign message and organisational discipline.
For residents of Akwatia, the victory brings renewed expectations. The constituency has long grappled with underdevelopment in areas such as road infrastructure, health services, and youth employment. In his acceptance remarks,
Mr. Baidoo acknowledged these concerns and pledged to prioritise tangible improvements. “Our people deserve better roads, improved schools, accessible health facilities, and jobs for the youth”, he declared.
The scenes in Akwatia following the announcement were jubilant, with NDC supporters flooding the streets in celebration. For the ruling party, the result is being framed as both a reclamation of a crucial constituency and an endorsement of President Mahama’s leadership less than a year into his new term.
For the opposition NPP, it was a sobering reminder of the challenges it faces in reasserting its relevance in swing constituencies that often shape the national political landscape.
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