Akwatia by-election: “We take it in good faith” — New Patriot Party accepts defeat

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accepted defeat in the Akwatia by-election, acknowledging the outcome as the will of the people.

The Electoral Commission’s certified results showed Bediako securing 18,199 votes of the total valid votes cast. His closest rival, Kwame Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 15,235 votes.

Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) trailed far behind with 82 votes. Out of the total ballots cast, 33,819 were valid, while 303 were rejected.

Eastern Regional Secretary of the NPP, Tony Osei-Adjei, said while the party is disappointed, it respects the decision of the constituents.

“We are a bit disappointed because that wasn’t what we expected but the constituents have spoken so we take it in good faith,” Osei-Adjei stated.

Reflecting on the late Ernest Kumi’s commitment to the constituency, Osei-Adjei expressed regret that the party was unable to retain the seat in his honour.

“To some extent, we disappointed him because he has lost his life in trying to maintain the seat. He won, he had ran every bit of his life chasing to restore his honour and dignity to his constituents,” he said.

He also referenced the legal challenges Kumi faced prior to his death.

“Somewhere along the line he lost when the Supreme Court gave the first ruling and it was left with the Koforidua court to take a decision on it.”