Tensions flared briefly in Akwatia on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, as police arrested an individual accused of removing a candidate’s campaign posters at a local polling station during the highly anticipated by-election.
The incident occurred amid a charged political atmosphere, raising concerns about possible disruptions.
Authorities, however, confirmed that their rapid response ensured that voting continued without interruption. The police have issued a stern warning that any further acts of intimidation, vandalism, or interference with the electoral process will be met with the full force of the law.
The by-election, considered crucial for the balance of power in Parliament, pits Mr Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against Mr Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Both candidates have conducted vigorous campaigns over recent weeks, with senior national party figures actively mobilising grassroots support.
More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 119 polling stations. To safeguard the credibility of the election, the Ghana Police Service has deployed over 5,500 personnel throughout the constituency. The Electoral Commission has also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a free, fair, and transparent poll.
Akwatia is a traditional swing constituency, where the NPP currently holds a narrow 5–4 parliamentary advantage over the NDC. In the December 2024 general elections, the NPP’s Ernest Yaw Kumi secured the seat by a margin of 2,063 votes against the NDC’s Henry Yiadom Boakye. His sudden death on July 7, 2025, prompted the current by-election.
Gbra Yoro Michèl Elysée, a local electoral observer, urged voters to “respect protocols at the election ground to ensure a smooth run of the by-election.”
The outcome of today’s vote is expected to be closely watched nationally, as it could influence the dynamics in Parliament ahead of the next general elections, with both parties emphasising the importance of peace, order, and voter participation.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent any escalation and ensure that the democratic process proceeds unhindered.
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