Dr. Ekua Amoako, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Communications Team, says the party’s defeat in the just-ended Akwatia by-election is only a temporary setback, expressing optimism that the NPP will reclaim the seat in the 2028 general election.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Friday, September 5, 2025, Dr. Amoako said the NPP’s candidate, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, stood a strong chance of winning the seat in 2028 if the party decides to present him again.
The by-election was won by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, who polled 18,199 votes. His closest contender, the NPP’s Asumadu, garnered 15,235 votes, while the Liberal Progressive Party’s Owusu Patrick obtained 82 votes.
Dr. Amoako explained that winning by-elections as an opposition party, especially in swing constituencies, is historically difficult.
“Going into the Akwatia by-election, of course, it was a seat that we hoped to retain. But the whole context of the by-election was not lost on us. We are quite aware that it’s quite a tough one to win by-elections in swing constituencies as an opposition party, especially when the government is that fresh.”
She recalled similar situations, citing the NPP’s loss in Chereponi in 2009 under comparable circumstances when the party was in opposition and a by-election was triggered by the death of its candidate.
Despite the Akwatia defeat, she maintained that the general mood on the ground remains positive for the NPP.
“From everything and the sentiments on the ground, at least it gives me some confidence that come 2028, especially if we’re able to retain the same candidate, I am confident that it will be a better outcome in 2028,” she said.
Dr. Amoako stressed that while the loss was disappointing, it should not discourage party members. “The bigger fight is what is ahead of us,” she added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
