The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has disclosed that the party’s decision to remain in the Akwatia by-election was deliberate, aimed at exposing the Electoral Commission (EC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly rigging the 2024 parliamentary elections.
His comments follow the NPP’s withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election earlier this month, which was accompanied by calls on the NDC to also pull out of the Akwatia race.
“We didn’t pull out from the Akwatia by-election because we wanted to expose the Electoral Commission and the NPP for rigging the 2024 elections in favour of Ernest Kumi,” Mr. Asiedu Nketia said during his Thank You Tour in Upper Manya Krobo and Asuogyaman.
The NDC Chairman insisted that staying in the race was necessary to prove to Ghanaians how the EC and the then governing party allegedly manipulated the 2024 results, particularly in Akwatia, where the late Ernest Kumi of the NPP was declared MP despite legal disputes.
The by-election, triggered by the sudden death of Mr. Kumi—popularly known as the “Akwatia Star Boy”—was eventually won by the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo, who polled 18,199 votes.
READ: Mahama delivering on campaign promises, let’s support him– Asiedu Nketia
The NPP’s candidate, Asumadu, secured 15,235 votes, while the Liberal Progressive Party’s Owusu Patrick finished with 82 votes.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia also praised President John Dramani Mahama for steadily fulfilling promises made ahead of the 2024 elections.
He cited the removal of the E-levy and betting tax, the commencement of the National Apprenticeship Program, the launch of the Big Push agenda, the uncapping of the District Assembly Common Fund, and the roll-out of the Nkoko Nketenkete Program as clear evidence of delivery.
He urged party supporters to rally behind the President, stressing that they stand a better chance of benefiting if the government succeeds.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
