The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande had a conversation about the impending Akwatia by-election with Osei Bonsu on ‘Ekosii Sen’ program on Asempa FM– on Tuesday July 29, 2025. Gbande warned that, former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government officials who have been accused of corruption would be arrested if they show up in Akwatia during the by-election.
He underlined that while the NDC is dedicated to a nonviolent campaign, lawlessness will not be accepted in Akwatia. In particular, he stated that police would arrest anybody wanted for offenses like corruption, visa racketeering, and money laundering if they appeared in Akwatia.
Gbande accused Alexander Afenyo-Markin of slapping a policeman and threatened to arrest him if he showed up in Akwatia. Six months after winning the seat in the 2024 elections, Ernest Yaw Kumi, the NPP MP for Akwatia, passed away on July 7, 2025, necessitating the by-election.
Gbande said he was confident the NDC will win because of its internal unity, capable leadership, and dedication to democratic processes. He also accused the NPP of imposing Solomon Kwame Asumadu, their candidate, in an undemocratic manner. While the Electoral Commission has not yet announced the date of the by-election, which is anticipated to take place in September 2025, the NDC has set August 4, 2025, for its parliamentary primaries in order to choose a candidate.
In contrast to the NPP’s purported imposition of a candidate, Gbande emphasized the NDC’s emphasis on internal democracy. In order to prevent violence, he also encouraged the Electoral Commission to guarantee a transparent procedure, citing the need for intervention by the Peace Council.
However, the NPP’s Director of Elections, Evans Nimako, dismissed claims of imposing Solomon Kwame Asumadu, asserting he was a consensus candidate.
Gbande’s remarks align with his earlier statements in 2025, where he emphasized the NDC’s commitment to prosecuting former NPP officials for corruption, even suggesting that former President Akufo-Addo could face house arrest if implicated.
Akwatia is a competitive constituency in Ghana’s Eastern Region, and the by-election is seen as a critical test for both parties ahead of the 2028 general elections.
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