The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) representation in Ghana’s Parliament has dropped from 88 to 87 seats after the party lost the Akwatia constituency to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a by-election held on September 2, 2025.
The by-election was triggered by the passing of the incumbent MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 40.
The NDC’s Lawyer Bernard Bediako Baidoo emerged victorious with 18,199 votes, defeating Solomon Asumadu of the NPP, who secured 15,235 votes. The Liberal Party of Ghana’s (LPG) candidate, Patrick Owusu, trailed with 82 votes.
According to the Electoral Commission’s Returning Officer, a total of 33,819 votes were cast across 119 polling stations, with 303 ballots rejected.
This victory strengthens the governing NDC’s majority in the 275-member House, bringing its tally to 184 seats, pending the outcome of the Tamale Central by-election.
The Tamale Central poll has been necessitated by the tragic death of sitting MP Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in a helicopter crash.
The NPP has announced it will not contest the Tamale Central seat, giving the NDC a clear path to further consolidate its numbers in Parliament.
Meanwhile, all four independent MPs continue to align and conduct parliamentary business with the NDC majority caucus.
By: Christian Kpesese
