The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed it will contest the Akwatia by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025, while accusing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of using recent political decisions to sway public sentiment.
The statement comes in the wake of the NPP’s decision not to field a candidate in the upcoming Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election.
The by-election follows the tragic death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash.
In a statement signed by NDC Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, the party acknowledged the NPP’s move as a rare show of restraint.
“This is not the first time that 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 was not conclusive until the unfortunate demise of our brother Ernest Kumi,” he stated.
While praising the NPP’s decision as “the best decision they have taken in recent times,” Gunn hinted at a calculated political motive behind it.
He alleged that the ruling party was deliberately avoiding a contest they might lose, while also attempting to win sympathy ahead of the crucial Akwatia polls.
The NDC spokesperson further pointed to past inconsistencies in the NPP’s political posture.
“In the Ablekumah North rerun, the NPP declared that they were not contesting, but in fact, they were the first to hit the grounds. Let us be mindful of our comments in this time of mourning,” Gunn cautioned.
