In a closely contested Akwatia by-election held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious in the Akwatia Constituency in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
According to GhanaRegions.com analyst, the Electoral Commission officially declared Bernard Bediako Baidoo the winner, marking a significant political shift in this historically competitive swing seat.
Final Official Results
The certified results are as follows:
- Bernard Bediako Baidoo (NDC): 18,199 votes (54.30%)
- Solomon Kwame Asumadu (NPP): 15,235 votes (45.10%)
- Owusu Patrick (LPG): 82 votes (0.24%)
A total of 33,516 valid votes were cast across 119 polling stations, with 303 ballots rejected. This result repositions the NDC in the swing constituency where the NPP previously held a slim edge in parliamentary representation since 1992.
Ghana Akwatia: A Historic Swing Seat
The Akwatia constituency has a history of alternating representation between the NDC and NPP. In the 2024 general elections, the NPP’s Ernest Kumi won the seat, but his tenure was short-lived due to his sudden passing in July 2025. This by-election was necessitated by his death.
Akwatia By-Election Candidate Profiles
Bernard Bediako Baidoo (NDC)
- Profession: Lawyer
- Party Affiliation: National Democratic Congress
- Political Experience: Former NDC Constituency Secretary for Akwatia
- Education: Legal practitioner with extensive experience in Ghanaian law
- Campaign Focus: Emphasized local development, legal reforms, and economic empowerment
Solomon Kwame Asumadu (NPP)
- Profession: Businessman and CEO of Owuo Mining Company
- Party Affiliation: New Patriotic Party
- Political Experience: Former NPP Constituency Treasurer
- Education: Attended All Nations University
- Campaign Focus: Promoted continuity, private-sector growth, and infrastructural development
Voter Turnout and Election Dynamics
The by-election saw a high voter turnout, with 33,516 valid votes cast out of a total of 33,819 ballots, indicating a 99.1% validity rate. The election was conducted peacefully across all 119 polling stations, with both parties deploying significant resources to mobilize voters.
Implications of the Result
Baidoo’s victory is a significant gain for the NDC, especially considering the NPP’s previous hold on the seat. This win not only strengthens the NDC’s position in the Eastern Region but also provides momentum ahead of future elections. The NPP’s loss in Akwatia may prompt a reevaluation of their strategies in similar constituencies.
Summary
The Akwatia by-election has reinforced the competitive nature of Ghanaian swing constituencies, highlighting the importance of grassroots mobilization, campaign strategy, and candidate appeal. Bernard Baidoo’s win signals a resurgence for the NDC in the Eastern Region and offers lessons for both major parties ahead of the next general elections.
