Heavy police presence at NDC Akwatia primary

There is a strong police presence at the Akwatia GCD Walker Park today, Monday, August 4, as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) conducts its parliamentary primary ahead of the September 2 by-election in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region.

Security personnel have been strategically deployed to maintain law and order as party delegates cast their votes to select one of three aspirants vying to represent the NDC in the upcoming by-election.

The contenders include former Member of Parliament Henry Boakye Yiadom, former Presiding Member of the Akwatia Municipal Assembly Erasmus Ali Korney, and party stalwart Bernard Bediako Baidoo.

While the atmosphere is tense, the process remains peaceful. Party supporters have gathered in large numbers at the venue, closely following proceedings. Police officers are patrolling both the park and its surrounding areas to ensure calm prevails throughout the exercise.

Addressing the media at the venue, Eastern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Dr Mark-Oliver Kevor, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the by-election. He stated emphatically that the winner of today’s primary would go on to reclaim the parliamentary seat for the party.

“The NDC is fully prepared and united behind this by-election. We believe Akwatia is ready for change, and our candidate, once elected today, will carry the constituency to victory on 2nd September,” Dr Kevor remarked.

The Akwatia by-election was necessitated by the sudden passing of the sitting New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.

Before his death, Mr Kumi’s electoral victory in the December 2024 general elections was being legally contested by the NDC, which alleged electoral irregularities.

With the seat now officially declared vacant, political activity in the constituency has surged. Both the NDC and the governing NPP are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested by-election.

The Electoral Commission has already set Tuesday, September 2, 2025, as the date for the by-election, and political observers say the outcome could serve as a key indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Meanwhile, security agencies are expected to remain on high alert throughout the day, ensuring the peaceful conduct of the NDC’s internal election and the broader stability of the Akwatia constituency during this politically charged period.