Voting has ended in the Akwatia by-election, which was marked by a heavy security presence and brief moments of tension.
More than 5,000 police officers were deployed across the constituency to ensure calm during Tuesday’s poll. Officers were stationed at all polling centres, with armoured vehicles and senior commanders on the ground.
Despite the tight security, tensions erupted earlier at the Akwatia Lorry Station in the Vawaso Electoral Area when a confrontation broke out between Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the third National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the escort of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka. Police quickly moved in to restore order, preventing the incident from escalating further.
The by-election was called following the death of the area’s MP, Ernest Kumi of the NPP, in July. The contest is being seen as a key test for the two main parties ahead of the 2026 general election.
The NPP is represented by Solomon Asumadu, while the NDC fielded Bernard Bediako Baidoo.
Voting proceeded without further major disturbances, and electoral officials confirmed that polls closed smoothly. Counting is now under way, with results expected to be declared by the Electoral Commission.
Akwatia, in the Eastern Region, is traditionally considered a swing seat. The outcome is likely to be closely watched as a signal of shifting political sentiment.
