High Court Clears Path for Akwatia By-Election on September 2

You’ve likely heard about the legal battle over the Akwatia by-election. A recent High Court ruling in Accra ensures the vote goes forward as planned on September 2, 2025. This article dives into the details, key players, and what’s at stake. Expect clear facts, fresh data, and insights to keep you informed.

Court Rejects APP’s Injunction

The Action People’s Party (APP) tried to stop the Akwatia by-election. They filed an injunction on August 22, 2025, claiming the Electoral Commission (EC) wrongly disqualified their candidate, David Ankomah. The Accra High Court, led by Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei, threw out the request on August 28, 2025.

Why APP Sought the Injunction

APP argued the EC gave Ankomah too little time to submit a valid tax clearance certificate. They called the disqualification “wrongful” and accused the EC of “malice and fraud.” Their goal? Block the EC from excluding Ankomah and secure a permanent halt to actions harming his candidacy.

The Court’s Reasoning

Justice Nyantei ruled that stopping the election would hurt more than just the EC. Other candidates, like those from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), would face unfair disruptions in their campaigns. He stressed fairness to all parties. The judge noted that APP’s main lawsuit to reinstate Ankomah can still move forward, with some issues possibly needing Supreme Court input.

Why the By-Election Matters

The Akwatia by-election fills a gap left by the death of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi in July 2025. Kumi, a first-term MP, won the seat in December 2024 with 19,269 votes, beating NDC’s Henry Yiadom Boakye, who got 17,206. This vote decides who takes over in Parliament.

A Tight Race

Akwatia has a history of close contests. Since 1992, NPP holds a 5-4 edge over NDC in parliamentary wins. In 2024, Kumi’s margin was just 2,063 votes. A Global Info Analytics poll from August 2025 shows NPP’s Solomon Asumadu leading NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo 49.7% to 43.8%, within a 2.7% margin of error. Expect another nail-biter.

Explore our analysis of Akwatia’s electoral history for more context. See how NPP campaigns stack up in our politics section.

Key Players in the Race

The by-election pits NPP’s Solomon Asumadu against NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo. Tensions run high. The NPP accuses NDC of planning voter intimidation, while NDC’s Mustapha Gbande vows to counter any aggression.

Solomon Asumadu (NPP)

Asumadu, a 40-year-old small-scale miner, calls himself the “Joshua” to Kumi’s “Moses.” He predicts a 10,000-vote win, backed by NPP unity walks and development promises.

Bernard Bediako Baidoo (NDC)

Baidoo, a lawyer and NDC constituency secretary, won a tight primary with 380 votes. He previously represented Henry Yiadom Boakye in a 2024 election challenge. His campaign focuses on peace but warns against violence.

Learn more about NDC’s primary results or check Asumadu’s campaign promises.

What Happens Next?

The EC plans to print ballots and proceed with the election. Security is tight, with over 5,000 police officers deployed. APP’s broader lawsuit against the EC continues, but it won’t delay September 2. Some legal questions may head to the Supreme Court.

Political analyst Dr. Kwesi Amakye says, “This ruling keeps the democratic process on track. Delaying the election would’ve caused chaos and eroded trust in the system.” For regional insights, check MyJoyOnline’s coverage or Graphic Online’s report.

Ghana’s Electoral Landscape in 2025

By-elections like Akwatia’s test Ghana’s political pulse. The NDC holds 184 of 276 parliamentary seats, while NPP has 88. Akwatia and Tamale Central remain vacant, making these races critical. Voter turnout in Akwatia’s 2024 election hit 36,475, with 294 rejected ballots. Expect similar engagement now.

For more on Ghana’s elections, visit the Electoral Commission’s site or read our post on Ghana’s 2024 election outcomes.

FAQ

You’ve got questions. Here are clear answers based on what people ask most.

Why was the Akwatia by-election called?
The death of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi in July 2025 triggered the need to fill the vacant seat.

Who are the main candidates?
NPP’s Solomon Asumadu and NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo are the key contenders.

Why did APP sue the EC?
APP claimed the EC unfairly disqualified their candidate, David Ankomah, over a tax clearance issue.

What did the court decide?
The High Court dismissed APP’s injunction, allowing the September 2 election to proceed.

Could the case go further?
Yes, APP’s main lawsuit continues, and some issues may reach the Supreme Court.

How competitive is this election?
Very. A recent poll shows a tight race, with Asumadu leading Baidoo by just 5.9%.