NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo is Akwatia MP-Elect 

Legal Practitioner clinches swing Slseat for NDC

Private legal practitioner Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the Akwatia by-election, reclaiming a strategic swing constituency for the party. Baidoo polled 18,199 votes, representing approximately 54% of the valid votes cast.

His victory marks a significant political turnaround in Akwatia, a constituency that has historically flipped between the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Tight contest ends in NDC upset

Baidoo’s main challenger, Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the NPP, garnered 15,235 votes, while Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) received a distant 82 votes.

This win ends the NPP’s recent hold on the seat, which was previously won by the late Ernest Yaw Kumi in the 2024 general election. Kumi had defeated the NDC’s Henry Yiadom Boakye by 2,063 votes, polling 19,269 to Boakye’s 17,206.

The NDC’s latest victory shifts the balance in Akwatia, where the NPP had maintained a slim 5-4 lead in parliamentary representation since 1992.

Hard-fought campaign and primary battles

Baidoo’s path to candidacy was not without hurdles. He emerged as the NDC’s flagbearer after winning a heated primary in August, defeating contenders Erasmus Koney Ali and former MP Henry Yiadom Boakye.

The fierce internal contest set the tone for an intense general campaign, with the NDC mobilizing its base to recover the seat.

Election day drama and police interventions

The by-election was not without incident. Early in the day, police arrested an individual accused of tearing down campaign posters at a polling station. The prompt action by law enforcement helped prevent further disruption.

A more tense situation unfolded at the Akwatia lorry station in the Vawaso Electoral Area, where a heated exchange occurred between Alhaji Osman Masawudu (NPP’s Third National Vice Chairman) and a member of Chief Sofo Azorka’s (NDC Vice Chairman) escort.

The altercation, witnessed by police, was quickly defused without further escalation.

Strategic gain for NDC ahead of 2028

Baidoo’s win is seen as a strategic gain for the NDC as it eyes a broader comeback in the next general elections. With Akwatia back in its column, the party is expected to intensify its push in other competitive constituencies.

The NDC is already positioning Baidoo as a rising figure in the Eastern Region, given his legal background, grassroots appeal, and the symbolic importance of the Akwatia seat.

By-election Results (Akwatia):

• Bernard Bediako Baidoo (NDC): 18,199 (54%)
• Solomon Kwame Asumadu (NPP): 15,235
• Owusu Patrick (LPG): 82