Why The NPP Is Walking A Fine Line Ahead Of The Crucial Akwatia By-Election

As the Electoral Commission prepares to conduct a by-election in the Akwatia constituency in September 2025, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has adopted a strategic posture marked by both caution and assertiveness. The stakes are high for the opposition party, and insiders say the leadership is leaving nothing to chance.

Akwatia, located in the Eastern Region, has historically been a swing constituency. Though the NPP won the seat in the 2020 general election, the margin was narrow and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has remained a strong force in the area. The NDC previously held the seat, and the by-election—triggered by the death of the sitting MP Ernest Kumi—represents a golden opportunity for them to reclaim it.

This history of electoral volatility has made the NPP wary of overconfidence, yet determined not to appear weak or unprepared.

The by-election is not just about securing one seat in Parliament; it’s also a test of the NPP’s political strength. A defeat could be interpreted as a signal of declining public support, especially in a region that has long been considered part of the NPP’s stronghold.

Sources within the party say national executives are treating the contest as a mini-referendum.

Another layer of caution stems from internal party divisions. The NPP is said to be managing delicate local tensions between rival factions who are each pushing for their preferred candidate to be selected for the by-election. A poor choice could trigger apathy or even sabotage from the grassroots level.

To avoid a repeat of past mistakes where internal wrangling cost the party key seats, the NPP has reportedly set up a high-powered vetting and reconciliation team to ensure unity ahead of the contest.

Despite the cautious internal climate, the NPP’s campaign machinery has already swung into action. Party executives, MPs, and regional coordinators have begun mobilizing resources and setting up campaign teams on the ground. The youth wing, TESCON, and women’s groups have all been tasked with building early momentum.

Digital campaigns, door-to-door outreach, and town hall meetings are expected to ramp up from mid-August, with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and other senior government figures expected to visit the constituency in the coming weeks.

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Meanwhile, the NDC is equally determined to wrestle back the seat. Party officials are emboldened by growing public dissatisfaction with the current economic hardships and rising cost of living. They have accused the NPP of panicking and resorting to state-sponsored advantage in past elections—a narrative they’re likely to push hard during the campaign.

The NPP’s cautious but aggressive approach to the upcoming Akwatia by-election reflects a deeper awareness of the constituency’s significance. With political credibility, internal unity, and national perception all on the line, the ruling party is fighting not just to win a seat—but to reaffirm its strength and legitimacy ahead of the next general election.

The Akwatia by-election is shaping up to be a decisive political moment—one that could send ripples far beyond the boundaries of the Eastern Region.