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Bernard Bediako Baidoo Elected NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Akwatia By-Election

August 5, 2025

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Lawyer Bernard Baidoo Clinches NDC Parliamentary Candidacy in Akwatia

Akwatia NDC Primaries – In a stunning turn of political events, Lawyer Bernard Bediako Baidoo has emerged victorious in the keenly contested National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary for the Akwatia Constituency in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The primary, held ahead of the highly anticipated September 2, 2025, by-election, saw Baidoo triumph over two formidable opponents, including a former Member of Parliament and his own legal client.

Baidoo, who currently holds the position of Constituency Secretary for the NDC in Akwatia, pulled off a major upset by securing 380 votes out of the 980 valid ballots cast. His closest rival, Rasmus Koneh Ali, popularly known by locals as Asanka Poyooyo, received 366 votes. Meanwhile, the former MP, Henry Boakye Yiadom, widely referred to as Okoyo, trailed with 226 votes.

The closely fought contest showcased the intense grassroots mobilization and political strategy that has come to characterize NDC primaries in recent years. The Eastern Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, John Appiah Baffoe, officially declared Baidoo as the winner after the vote count was completed and certified.

A Political Earthquake in Akwatia

Akwatia NDC Primaries – This outcome marks a significant moment in Akwatia’s political history. Baidoo’s victory signals a generational shift within the NDC’s local structure, shaking up the old political order and injecting new energy into the party’s grassroots base.

What makes Baidoo’s win even more notable is the dramatic nature of the contest. He not only overcame a former Member of Parliament with established political capital but also ran against one of his own clients, a rare scenario in political contests. His ability to maintain professional boundaries while mounting a competitive campaign speaks volumes about his political maturity and ethical grounding.

Grassroots Support and Strategic Messaging

Akwatia NDC Primaries – Bernard Baidoo’s success is largely attributed to his deep-rooted connection with the grassroots base of the party. As constituency secretary, he has been a familiar face across Akwatia’s electoral zones, resolving internal disputes, facilitating party activities, and championing the concerns of ordinary members.

Voters cited his hands-on leadership style and commitment to party unity as key reasons for their support. According to local polling agents, many delegates appreciated his accessibility, humility, and tireless efforts in sustaining the party’s activities in the constituency, especially during periods when national attention was elsewhere.

Baidoo’s campaign strategy also focused heavily on unity, development, and restoring trust in political leadership. He emphasized a vision for “a more inclusive and forward-looking Akwatia” — a message that clearly resonated with delegates who were yearning for transformation.

Defeated Aspirants and Their Responses

Akwatia NDC Primaries – Following the announcement of the results, both Rasmus Koneh Ali and Henry Boakye Yiadom congratulated Baidoo on his victory. Speaking to reporters, Asanka Poyooyo acknowledged the close nature of the race and pledged his full support to the NDC campaign ahead of the by-election. Okoyo, the former MP, urged party members to unite behind the new candidate, stressing that party interest must rise above personal disappointment.

Their conciliatory tones have been welcomed by NDC executives at the regional and national levels, who are keen to present a united front in the upcoming contest against the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

September 2 By-Election: A Tough Battle Ahead

As Bernard Baidoo now shifts gears towards the by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025, he is set to face off against Solomon Asumadu, the parliamentary candidate for the NPP. The by-election was triggered by a vacancy in the seat, and both parties view the Akwatia seat as a critical battleground that could influence national momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Observers predict a tightly contested race, given Akwatia’s mixed voting history and strategic importance in the Eastern Region. While the NDC has made gains in recent local elections, the NPP retains a solid support base and considerable resources.

Baidoo, however, appears undeterred. Speaking after his declaration as winner, he called on all factions of the NDC to rally behind the campaign. “This victory belongs to all of us. It’s time to build together, to dream together, and to win together. Akwatia deserves better, and we will deliver,” he said to a rousing crowd of supporters.

A New Chapter for Akwatia

Akwatia NDC Primaries – With his historic win in the primaries, Bernard Bediako Baidoo now stands on the threshold of national leadership. His rise within the NDC ranks has been meteoric, and many political watchers believe he represents the new face of the party’s future: youthful, principled, and grassroots-driven.

Whether he can translate this primary victory into a by-election triumph remains to be seen. However, what is clear is that Akwatia’s political landscape has changed. A new chapter has begun, and all eyes will be on Baidoo as he prepares to take the next bold step toward representing his people in Parliament.