The Electoral Commission has officially declared Ernest Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia after a prolonged and highly contested electoral process.
The announcement was made at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, following repeated failed attempts to conclude the collation of results in the Eastern Region.
Ernest Kumi secured 19,269 votes, defeating Henry Yiadom Boakye of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who received 17,206 votes.
Traditionally an NPP stronghold, the Akwatia constituency became a national focal point during the December 7 elections due to the contentious nature of the process. What should have been a straightforward results declaration turned into a drawn-out saga marked by disputes, delays, and allegations.
Kumi, who had previously won the NPP primary in 2023 by defeating Ama Sey, entered the general elections with significant momentum. However, the election process in Akwatia faced numerous controversies and challenges.
Akwatia was one of four constituencies, including Suhum, Nsawam, and Fanteakwa North, whose results were transferred to the National Police Training School for re-collation. This decision followed heightened tensions and logistical difficulties during the collation process in the Eastern Region.
The relocation was aimed at ensuring a neutral and secure environment for the final collation and involved representatives from both the NPP and NDC. While the move sought to reduce tensions and promote transparency, it sparked mixed reactions.
NDC supporters criticized the decision, arguing that it undermined local representation and the credibility of the process. Conversely, the NPP commended the Electoral Commission for taking firm steps to resolve the impasse and conclude the election.
–
Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | www.univers.edu.gh
