Top NDC lawyer picks forms to contest Akwatia primaries

A Koforidua-based private legal practitioner, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has officially declared his intention to contest the upcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Akwatia constituency ahead of the impending by-election.

Mr. Baidoo, who also serves as the NDC Constituency Secretary for Akwatia, picked up his nomination forms on Monday, July 28, at the Eastern Regional party office in Koforidua.

He was accompanied by a group of chiefs and elders from the constituency, who expressed strong support for his bid, describing him as the best candidate to lead the NDC in the area.

The Akwatia seat became vacant following the passing of the Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Although the Electoral Commission is yet to officially announce the date for the by-election, the NDC has begun internal processes to elect a parliamentary candidate.

So far, three individuals have picked up nomination forms. They are:

  • Bernard Bediako Baidoo, lawyer and constituency secretary

  • Erasmus Korney Ali, businessman

  • Henry Boakye Yiadom, former MP and the NDC’s 2024 parliamentary candidate

Mr. Baidoo notably served as the legal representative for Mr. Yiadom in his court challenge against the late Ernest Yaw Kumi’s victory in the 2024 general election.

Speaking to journalists after picking his forms, Mr. Baidoo emphasized his readiness to lead the NDC in reclaiming the seat from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“Yes, I was the NDC’s lawyer in the case between Henry Boakye Yiadom (OKOYO) and Ernest Yaw Kumi, and everyone knows I did my best. But the phase has ended; the floodgates are now open for any party member who qualifies to contest. Does it mean I can’t contest because I was the former MP’s lawyer?” he questioned.

He added, “I was still in court fighting for him, but unfortunately, everything has come to an end following Kumi’s passing.”

Mr. Baidoo, who also serves on the NDC’s Eastern Regional Legal Team, disclosed that senior figures within the party encouraged him to contest.

“I am in this race because people think I am well cut for it. I have top party bigwigs calling on me every now and then to represent the party. And when such calls come, it becomes difficult to turn down the request,” he explained.

The NDC is expected to vet the three aspirants on Thursday, July 31, and hold the primaries on Monday, August 4.

Kofi Siaw

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