The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed its decision to contest the Akwatia by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025, while accusing the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of using political tactics to influence public sentiment.
The party’s stance follows the NPP’s announcement that it will not field a candidate in the Tamale Central by-election, triggered by the death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.
In a statement signed by Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC described the NPP’s decision as “the best they have taken in recent times” but suggested it was a calculated attempt to avoid defeat and court public sympathy ahead of the Akwatia polls.
“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,” the statement noted.
The party also warned against taking the NPP’s declaration at face value, citing past examples where the ruling party had initially opted out of a race but later participated.
“In the Ablekumah North rerun, the NPP declared that they were not contesting, but in fact, they were the first to hit the grounds,” Mr. Gunn said.
The NDC extended condolences to the family of the late Ernest Kumi, whose death necessitated the by-election, as well as to the families of the “gallant eight heroes” the nation is mourning.
Mr. Gunn further urged party members to be mindful of their public statements during this period of national grief.
The Akwatia by-election is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests ahead of the 2026 general elections.
