The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed it will contest the Akwatia by-election on 2 September 2025, while accusing the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of engaging in political manoeuvring ahead of the polls.
The accusation follows the NPP’s decision not to field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, which was triggered by the death of the constituency’s MP, Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, in the 6 August helicopter crash.
In a statement signed by Deputy National Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC welcomed the NPP’s decision to step aside in Tamale Central, describing it as “the best decision they have taken in recent times”.
However, the party suggested it was a calculated attempt to avoid electoral defeat and court public sympathy ahead of the Akwatia contest.
“This is not the first time a political party has refused to contest in a by-election. The NDC refused to contest in Ejisu after the demise of John Kumah. We also want to put on record that the Akwatia seat was in court and unresolved until the unfortunate demise of our brother Ernest Kumi,” the statement noted.
The NDC also cautioned voters against taking the NPP’s announcement at face value, recalling past instances where the governing party had reversed similar decisions.
“In the Ablekuma-North rerun, the NPP declared they were not contesting, but in fact, they were the first to hit the grounds,” Gunn said.
The statement extended condolences to the family of the late Ernest Kumi, whose death necessitated the Akwatia by-election, and to the families of the eight military officers who perished in the recent helicopter crash.
Gunn further urged NDC members to be measured in their public remarks during this period of national mourning, saying, “Let us be mindful of our comments in this time of grief.”
SOURCE: Asaaseradio
