By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has downplayed the party’s loss in the just-ended Akwatia by-election, describing the outcome as a normal political occurrence in a swing constituency.
Speaking on Adom 106.3 FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Nkansah argued that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) only managed to win because they are the ruling party, insisting that the NDC could never secure a by-election victory in a true NPP stronghold.
“Akwatia is a swing seat so it’s normal for the ruling party to win it. We would have also won if we were in power. There is no way NDC can win a by-election in a proper NPP stronghold,” he said.
The by-election, held after the unfortunate passing of MP Ernest Kumi earlier this year, saw Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the NDC emerge victorious with 18,199 votes. He was followed by the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu, who secured 15,235 votes, while Owusu Patrick of the LPG trailed with only 82 votes.
According to official figures from the Electoral Commission, 33,819 votes were valid, while 303 were rejected.
The contest was fiercely fought, with both the NPP and NDC deploying significant resources and manpower to woo voters in the constituency. In the end, the NDC’s victory added momentum to its political standing, while the NPP was left to reflect on its strategy going forward.
Nkansah’s comments highlight ongoing debates within the NPP about campaign messaging and grassroots engagement, as the party seeks to consolidate its base ahead of the 2028 general elections.
