The Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Mark-Oliver Kevor, has dismissed suggestions that the Akwatia by-election will be decided on the basis of emotions or sympathy for any of the candidates. He insists that the real issues shaping voter decisions are centered on development and the future of the constituency.
Speaking on the political dynamics ahead of the polls, Dr. Kevor argued that while some have attempted to frame the contest as one of personal popularity and emotional attachment, the data and realities on the ground indicate otherwise. According to him, rational voters in Akwatia are more focused on electing a candidate who can champion development projects rather than engaging in emotional sentiments.
“This election is not about sympathy. Sympathy is low on the issues. It is about development, and rational voters know who can bring that development to Akwatia,” Dr. Kevor said.
He emphasized that the by-election will not change the presidency nor significantly alter the parliamentary majority, hence the decision of voters will be based on who can best leverage their position to bring tangible benefits to the constituency. In his view, this places the NDC’s candidate, Lawyer Bernard Oduro Takyi, in pole position to win the mandate of the people.
Dr. Kevor highlighted Akwatia’s long-standing challenges as a traditional mining community. Despite its natural resources and status as one of the well-known towns in the Eastern Region, he lamented that Akwatia continues to struggle with poor infrastructure, lack of basic social amenities, and slow-paced development.
He maintained that the people of Akwatia are yearning for a new narrative, one that goes beyond mining to embrace broader economic and social transformation. For him, the by-election offers voters a unique opportunity to redirect the constituency’s fortunes.
“This is a constituency with immense potential, but the people continue to live with the absence of essential infrastructure. Rational voters are asking themselves, who is best positioned to change this story? The answer is clear it is the NDC’s candidate,” he added.
Dr. Kevor also pointed out that the NDC, as the governing party, is better placed to attract development projects into Akwatia compared to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). He noted that even if the NPP were to win, it would not alter the numbers in Parliament in their favor, and therefore would not necessarily translate into greater development for the area.
“Voters understand that electing an NPP candidate will not change the balance in Parliament. It will not give the NPP any extra advantage. But supporting the NDC candidate gives Akwatia a stronger voice and a clearer path to the development it deserves,” he said.
The Eastern Regional NDC Chairman expressed strong confidence that the outcome of the by-election will affirm the people’s demand for progress and development over emotional appeals. He maintained that the NDC is heading into the contest with a clear strategy and the backing of the grassroots, predicting a convincing victory for the party’s candidate.
The Akwatia by-election has attracted keen national attention, with both the governing NDC and the opposition NPP seeking to claim the seat. Political observers have described the contest as a critical test of grassroots support in the Eastern Region, where both parties have historically battled for dominance.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
