Eastern NDC Chairman, Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, has dismissed claims that the Akwatia by-election will be decided by emotions or sympathy, insisting that development remains the key issue for voters.
Speaking on the political climate ahead of the polls, Dr. Kevor said attempts to frame the contest around personal popularity or sentiment do not reflect the electorate’s priorities. According to him, residents are focused on selecting a candidate capable of delivering tangible development to the constituency.
“This election is not about sympathy. Sympathy is low on the issues. It is about development, and rational voters know who can bring that development to Akwatia,” he stated.
He noted that the by-election will neither change the presidency nor significantly affect the parliamentary majority, meaning voters will prioritize which candidate can use their position to drive local projects. Dr. Kevor asserted that this makes the NDC’s candidate, Lawyer Bernard Oduro Takyi, the frontrunner.
Highlighting Akwatia’s long-standing challenges as a mining community, he said despite its resources, the area still suffers from poor infrastructure, inadequate social amenities, and slow development. “This is a constituency with immense potential, but the people continue to live with the absence of essential infrastructure. Rational voters are asking themselves, who is best positioned to change this story? The answer is clear—it is the NDC’s candidate,” he emphasized.
Dr. Kevor argued that the NDC is better placed than the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to attract development projects to the area. He added that even if the NPP wins, it would not shift the parliamentary numbers or guarantee more local development.
“Voters understand that electing an NPP candidate will not change the balance in Parliament. Supporting the NDC candidate gives Akwatia a stronger voice and a clearer path to the development it deserves,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the party’s chances, Dr. Kevor predicted that the by-election outcome would reflect the electorate’s preference for progress and development over emotional considerations, citing a clear strategy and strong grassroots support for the NDC candidate.
