The Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mark Oliver Kevor, has confirmed that the party will contest the upcoming Akwatia by-election following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Kevor said the NDC believes the Akwatia seat rightfully belongs to them based on the outcome of the 2024 general election.
“We will go for the Akwatia by-election because it is a seat we won in 2024, looking at our figures. What has changed in Ghana for us to even consider pulling out?” he questioned.
Mr. Kevor clarified that in previous instances where the NDC chose not to contest by-elections, it was mainly due to unique circumstances surrounding the death of the MP involved.
“In cases where we pulled out, it was mostly because of how the MP died. That was a factor, and we thought it wise to allow the NPP to go unopposed. But in the case of Akwatia, it is too early to talk about not contesting, especially for a seat we believe we already won,” he stressed.
Mr. Kevor, who also serves as the Acting Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NiTA), said the Eastern Regional NDC executives have already taken a firm position on the matter.
“As a region, we have done our checks and in principle, we have decided to contest. Unless the National Executive Committee (NEC) gives a compelling reason backed by solid arguments as to why we shouldn’t, we are moving forward to participate,” he stated.
When asked whether the party would maintain the same candidate from the 2024 election, he said that decision was yet to be made.
“Election dynamics change. That’s a different conversation. For now, the decision is to contest, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” he explained.
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce a date for the by-election in accordance with Ghana’s electoral laws.
Ernest Yaw Kumi, the late MP for Akwatia, passed away on July 7. He was a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and was widely respected in Parliament for his insights and dedication to legislative duties.
Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
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