The political landscape in Akwatia is being redrawn as two newcomers step into the spotlight, each promising a new chapter for the constituency.
Both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are presenting first-time candidates for the September 2 by-election in a constituency where the echoes of past victories and defeats still resonate.
As voters gear up for the upcoming by-election occasioned by the unfortunate death of the Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi, the complex dynamics and rich history will once again be tested on the alter of issues that matter and the forces vying for control.
Akwatia, nicknamed the “diamond city” for being the main center of diamond extraction in Ghana is the capital of the Denkyembuor district in the eastern region.
With a decline in the diamond sector, many of the residents have ventured into artisanal gold mining however, Akwatia remains largely a farming community.
The Akwatia constituency shares borders with four others, Kade to the west, asaman to the east, Atewa West to the North and Oda to the south.
There are many towns that make up the constituency with some notable ones, obviously for their political significance being Boadua, Takorase, Apinaman, Dwenase, Sakyikrom, Topraman, Okumanin among others.
Most of these towns have zongo communities dominated by people of Northern descent with the ability to sway the elections.
The electoral commission has scheduled September 2, 2025 for the by-election in all 119 polling stations, with three new faces likely to appear on the ballot.
Solomon Kwame Asumadu, the NPP’s constituency treasurer will come up against Bernard Bediako, the NDC’s constituency secretary in a contest for a seat long known for single-term MPs and violent by-elections. So what dynamics are at play this time, and which factors are most likely to shape the outcome?
Solomon Asumadu, who was unanimously endorsed by the NPP hails from Boadua, one of the most vibrant towns in the constituency. However the NDC wins Boadua albeit with a small margin.
The NDC’s Bernard Bediako is from Takorase with roots in Kusi and Wenchi. The Wenchi area is a known stronghold of the NPP and is also known to be one of the flashpoints in the area.
Some residents who spoke to Citi News expressed their excitement and preparedness to vote. They highlighted the need for infrastructure development and job availability as the main factors that would influence voter decision on election day.
Undue Advantage vs Power of Incumbency
Conversations on having an MP whose party is in power echoes throughout the constituency but the NPP which previously held the seat, dismissed the claim that an MP whose party is in power is better placed to deliver on campaign promises.
The party is campaigning on its record and the benevolence of their candidate Solomon Kwame Ampadu, a local miner.
For the NDC, Akwatia is a sure win due to the good works of the government and the message of hope being passed by their candidate.
Electoral Violence and Heightened Security
History shows that by-elections in the Akwatia constituency have often been synonymous with electoral violence. In light of the recent chaos at the Ablekuma North polling station re-run, the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to ensuring incident-free polls.
True to his word, a strong security presence has been deployed to Akwatia, with several uniformed officers stationed at checkpoints across strategic locations.
September 2 Showdown: We Wait To See
As Akwatia prepares for yet another pivotal electoral moment, the stakes remain high—not just for the parties involved, but for the constituents whose daily lives hinge on the outcomes of such contests.
With fresh candidates, renewed political energy, and long-standing development concerns at the forefront, the September 2 by-election offers a crucial opportunity for residents to shape the future of their “diamond city.” Whether it will be decided by party loyalty, ethnic dynamics, candidate appeal, or the desire for real change, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Akwatia.
