Voting Begins Smoothly in Akwatia Constituency by-Election

Strategic Insights -

Voting has started on time in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region of Ghana, where approximately 52,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in the parliamentary by-election. The voting process, taking place across 119 polling stations, follows the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mr Ernest Yaw Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who won the seat in the 2024 general elections. With the deployment of election materials beginning at 0400 hours and polling stations finishing their set up by 0600 hours, the voting process has started smoothly, with a heavy police presence at the polling centers to maintain law and order.

Key Takeaways:

  • Voting has begun on time in the Akwatia Constituency, with polls opening at 0700 hours.
  • Approximately 52,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in the parliamentary by-election.
  • The contest is between Mr Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mr Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
  • A total of 5,500 police officers have been deployed across the constituency to ensure a peaceful vote.
  • The Akwatia constituency has alternated between the NPP and NDC since 1992, making this by-election a crucial test of strength for both parties.
  • All vehicles entering Akwatia are being searched as part of measures to ensure a peaceful vote.

Statistics:

  • 52,000: The number of registered voters expected to cast their ballots in the by-election.
  • 119: The number of polling stations where voting is taking place.
  • 5,500: The number of police officers deployed across the constituency to ensure a peaceful vote.
  • 1992: The year in which voting in the Akwatia constituency first began alternating between the NPP and NDC.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency (GNA), 02 Sep 2025.