The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected Bernard Bediako Baidoo, a private legal practitioner and constituency secretary, as its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming September 2 by-election in the Akwatia Constituency.
Baidoo emerged victorious in a keenly contested primary held on Sunday, beating two contenders—former MP Henry Boakye Yiadom and Erasmus Koney Ali.
Out of 1,015 total delegates, Baidoo secured 380 votes, Erasmus polled 366, while Yiadom garnered 266.
The primary, which began around 11:00 a.m. and ended at 4:00 p.m., was closely monitored by key party executives including NDC National Executive Ludwig Hlordze, Eastern Regional Chairman Mark Oliver Kevor, and Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey.
Tight security was ensured by the Eastern South Command of the Ghana Police Service, which conducted searches, managed queues, and maintained order throughout the exercise.
The process was largely peaceful, though the outcome triggered mixed reactions among delegates and supporters.
“We thank God for successful elections. We know we will win the September by-election,” one supporter said.
Another disagreed, stating, “They should have voted for our preferred candidate. We would vote for Owuo (Solomon Asumadu, NPP candidate).”
Baidoo’s win is particularly significant, given his previous role as legal counsel for Henry Boakye Yiadom during the 2024 electoral dispute that followed the declaration of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi (NPP) as MP.
The Akwatia seat—historically a swing constituency—became vacant following Kumi’s death in July after a short illness.
The New Patriotic Party has since selected Solomon Asumadu by acclamation to contest the by-election, setting the stage for a heated contest between the two major parties.
