Akwatia is a swing seat, not an NPP stronghold – Asiedu Nketiah
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has dismissed claims that the Akwatia constituency is a safe seat for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), insisting it has always been a swing seat since the advent of the Fourth Republic.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 26, he stated that suggestions that the NDC should concede Akwatia to the NPP because of its electoral history are unfounded, arguing that the NDC fields candidates in all constituencies, including strongholds of their opponents, and has often defied the odds to win in difficult areas.
“Those saying we should leave Akwatia for the NPP, that comment does not hold water. Why was it necessary for us to file candidates in all 276 constituencies if we didn’t want to win? We have candidates in Bantama, Manhyia, and other difficult places. If we contested there, nobody can convince me that Akwatia is an NPP seat,” he said.
The NDC Chairman emphasised that Akwatia has historically alternated between the two major political parties since 1992, making it one of the most competitive constituencies in Ghana. He added that his party is confident about its chances in the upcoming by-election.
On the issue of security, Mr. Nketiah ruled out fears of violence in the constituency, assuring that the NDC will fully cooperate with the police to ensure a peaceful process. “I don’t think Akwatia will turn out to be a violent election because we have assured the police that if anybody is going to interfere in their work, it will not be the NDC,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Bernard Bediako, has described the by-election as a “done deal” for the party, expressing optimism of an emphatic win.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has fixed Tuesday, September 2, 2025, for the Akwatia by-election, which is expected to be fiercely contested.
Source: Patricia Boakye
