The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Koduah, has defended the party’s choice of candidate in the recently held Akwatia by-election, stressing that the selection process was fair, peaceful, and rooted in consensus.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Koduah acknowledged that while the NPP government had made notable contributions to development in Akwatia, challenges such as poor road infrastructure still remained.
He cautioned, however, that no government could complete all projects within just eight years.
Mr. Koduah dismissed suggestions that the acclamation of the NPP candidate created divisions within the party, insisting that the process was smooth and widely accepted by stakeholders.
“I will agree with the assertion that our candidate was not unpopular or that his acclamation created rancour. There was no protest or disaffection after his selection,” he said.
He explained that party leaders and stakeholders organized a special delegates’ conference to build consensus, ensuring that all individuals who would have contested in a primary were present and agreed to the outcome.
“If we had gone into a primary, there would have been divisiveness, and our woes would have deepened. Perhaps we wouldn’t have even secured the number of votes we polled,” he added.
Mr. Koduah further noted that losing elections often comes with criticisms but maintained that settling on a consensus candidate was in the party’s best interest.
The Akwatia by-election, held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, followed the death of the sitting MP, Ernest Kumi.
Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious with 18,199 votes. His closest contender, Kwame Asumadu of the NPP, secured 15,235 votes, while Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) polled 82.
The NDC’s victory sparked street celebrations in Akwatia, with political observers describing the result as significant due to the constituency’s reputation as a swing seat.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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