The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has downplayed the party’s loss in the recent Akwatia by-election, stating that it should not be interpreted as a sign of what to expect in the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Kodua emphasised that electoral outcomes are part of a normal political process.
“In every election, you either win or lose. Akwatia has always been a swing constituency, and the margin of victory is usually very narrow,” he said.
He explained that the NPP entered the by-election with a realistic understanding of the challenges, especially given the political dynamics in the area.
“As the ruling party, we were up against an NDC campaign that focused heavily on promises of development. That message clearly resonated with parts of the constituency,” he noted.
Despite the loss, Mr. Kodua said the NPP’s 15,235 votes were a clear indication of the party’s enduring strength in Akwatia.
“The 15,000 votes we received show that the NPP remains strong in the constituency. I’m proud of our candidate’s performance and the support we received from our members,” he added.
He also praised the efforts of the party’s candidate, Kwame Asumadu, the constituency executives, and supporters for their dedication during the campaign.
“This by-election will not bring us down. I want to thank our candidate, our executives, and all who supported us. Above all, we thank God for a peaceful and successful election.”
Mr. Kodua reiterated that the results of the by-election do not reflect the national political mood ahead of 2028.
“This by-election is not a reflection of what will happen in 2028. We always knew it would be a tough contest following the unfortunate passing of our MP, Ernest Kumi, but we have shown that the NPP remains a formidable force in Akwatia.”
The Electoral Commission’s certified results show Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) winning the Akwatia by-election with 18,199 votes, while the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu polled 15,235 votes.
