The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) face off today in the much-anticipated Akwatia by-election, a contest that has drawn national attention following the untimely death of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the embattled NPP Member of Parliament.
The NDC is presenting Bernard Bediako Baidoo, while the NPP is banking its hopes on Solomon Asumadu.
On the eve of the polls, the NDC’s Deputy Director of IT and Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer, expressed strong optimism about his party’s chances, insisting that victory was within reach for their candidate.
Speaking with confidence, he argued that the people of Akwatia had more to gain by rallying behind the ruling party’s candidate than by returning the seat to the opposition.
“The candidate they are going to vote for is going to sit with the ruling government in Parliament. He has the opportunity to lobby with government agencies to bring development to their place. That’s a very good opportunity for you”.
NDC’s Deputy Director of IT and Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer
Tanko Computer argued further that voters would have little incentive to support the NPP since Ghanaians had already delivered a resounding rejection of the party in the 2024 general elections. He described voting for the NPP again as a wasted effort, likening the party to what he called a “press conference group.”
“The party that they initially voted for, thought they were going to win, Ghana has rejected them, voted massively against that government, and booted them out. So why would you return a verdict back to that government again?
“You will be wasting your vote. Ghana has already rejected them. As of now there are 87 press conference groups. You don’t vote for a press conference group, you vote for a government that will bring development”.
NDC’s Deputy Director of IT and Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer
In a bid to draw a sharp contrast between the two parties, Tanko Computer pointed to what he described as the tangible impact of President John Dramani Mahama’s return to power.
He recounted testimonies from ordinary citizens in the constituency who had noticed a drop in the cost of living within the past seven to eight months under the new government.
“Indeed, we went to one of the communities, and the people were telling us that they used to buy a bag of rice, 50 kilos, at GHS1,000, but today, they can buy it at GHS600. Is it not good governance?
“To better your lot, and we are doing it. Seven months to eight months, the people are saying it. They are leaving testimonies. Why wouldn’t they vote for this government’s candidate?”
NDC’s Deputy Director of IT and Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer
NDC’s Superior Electoral Strategy
His remarks, however, were not just about economic testimonies but also about the broader electoral strategy of the NDC. Tanko Computer dismissed the notion of strongholds, insisting that the ruling party’s approach to elections was now anchored on a clear, nationwide master plan.
“By the NDC strategy and plan, we don’t consider any place a stronghold for any party this time. We showed you in 2024 that the NPP doesn’t have any stronghold. Because we have a master plan, and it works.
“So we don’t go into any election these days with the background that this is a stronghold. We have a plan. And as soon as the plan is properly implemented, there is nothing like strongholding anywhere. So tomorrow there is no stronghold for the NPP; we are winning the election”.
NDC’s Deputy Director of IT and Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer
The by-election is widely seen as a crucial test for both major parties, with the NPP seeking to hold onto a constituency that has historically been competitive, and the NDC aiming to expand its already commanding numbers in Parliament.
Currently, the ruling party boasts 184 MPs in addition to four independent MPs who align with them, compared to the NPP’s 87 MPs. This gives the NDC a supermajority caucus, a position that strengthens its influence over legislative business.
Adding to the intrigue is a recent poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, which places the NDC’s candidate, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, ahead with 53 percent of the projected vote, compared to 47 percent for the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu. While opinion polls are not always definitive, the data reflects a tight contest but one that leans in favor of the ruling party.
For the people of Akwatia, today’s by-election presents both a symbolic and practical choice. It is not just about filling a vacant parliamentary seat, but also about deciding whether to align with the governing majority or to hand the opposition a rare victory at a time when the political balance in Ghana is firmly tilted toward the NDC.
Whether the testimonies of improved livelihoods, the appeal of being aligned with the ruling party, or the loyalty to the NPP brand sways voters will soon be revealed at the ballot box.
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