Following the NDC’s victory in the Akwatia by-election, political activist Dzifa Gunu says the results reflect a changing political culture in Ghana, where voters increasingly demand respect, transparency, and genuine engagement from political parties.
Speaking after the polls on his Facebook page sighted by MyNewsGh, Gunu highlighted a significant departure from Ghana’s by-election tradition — the absence of the President and Vice President from the campaign grounds.
“For the first time in the history of parliamentary by-elections, neither the president nor the vice president of the ruling party stepped foot in the constituency to influence the election. The NDC deliberately tested its strength without relying on the ‘big men’ factor,” he said.
In previous by-elections, Gunu noted, ruling governments would rush projects into constituencies — constructing roads, schools, and other infrastructure overnight — as a tool for voter influence. But this time, he said, the NDC government avoided such tactics.
“Unlike previous by-elections, the NDC government refused to disrespect the people by engaging in last-minute projects. We allowed the people to decide freely, and that decision was in our favor,” he explained.
Even when photos surfaced on election day showing reshaping works on a road, Gunu revealed that it was NDC supporters themselves who first condemned the activity, underscoring the party’s stance against shortcuts and vote-buying strategies.
Gunu contrasted this with the NPP’s campaign, arguing that the imposition of a candidate without grassroots participation weakened the ruling party’s position and contributed to its loss.
“The NPP leadership made a mistake by imposing a candidate. The people of Akwatia sent them a strong message — you cannot take voters for granted,” he said.
According to Gunu, the result marks a turning point in Ghanaian politics, signaling that voters want parties to earn their trust rather than assume loyalty based on political affiliation.
“This is more than just a victory for the NDC. It shows that respect for voters, transparency, and accountability are becoming the new currency in Ghana’s politics,” Gunu concluded.
