Akwatia by-election largely peaceful and well managed – AEI
By: Isaac Darko Boamah
Akwatia, Sept. 3, 2025 — The African Electoral Institute (AEI) has described Tuesday’s Akwatia parliamentary by-election as “generally peaceful, transparent and well‑managed,” even as it flagged low voter turnout, accreditation problems for some observers and limited representation for independent and smaller-party candidates.
In an observation mission that covered 17 polling stations across the constituency, AEI reported that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the contest with 18,199 votes (54.3%), defeating the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which polled 15,235 votes (45.5%). The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) received 82 votes (0.2%). A total of 33,819 ballots were cast, of which 33,516 were valid; 303 ballots were rejected.
Observers and party agents
AEI teams noted strong participation by the two major parties: most stations hosted up to two polling agents each for the NDC and NPP. Independent candidates and smaller parties were underrepresented — at Amanfrom Kindergarten and several other stations AEI recorded no agents for those candidates. Party agents from the major parties were visible and active and generally expressed confidence in the conduct of the election, with no major complaints logged during the observation period.
Voting materials and procedures
The institute found election materials and procedures largely in order. Indelible ink met acceptable standards, was correctly applied and was explained to voters prior to voting. Ballot stamping was properly carried out in almost all stations; AEI recorded a procedural lapse at Boadua Funeral Grounds where seven ballots were incorrectly stamped on the face before the presiding officer identified and corrected the error and informed party agents.
Security and logistics
Security personnel were present at all observed polling stations. AEI described officers as armed but professional, wearing official name tags and complying with guidelines on face masks and dark shades. The mission reported no instances of security personnel interfering with voting — no identity checks by officers, no assistance with counting ballots and no involvement in voter assistance recorded. The Electoral Commission’s provision of food and logistics for staff and security personnel was also credited with helping the process run smoothly.
Incidents and challenges
AEI recorded a single minor disturbance at Akim Wenchi, where a group described as “unofficial individuals” gathered at Wenchi Presby Park. Police intervened and the situation was contained without escalation, the report says. Separately, some international and domestic observers were denied access to certain polling stations due to accreditation issues, which AEI said pointed to shortcomings in accreditation management.
Turnout and takeaways
Turnout was described as “relatively low” by mid‑afternoon; the final participation numbers confirm a moderate level of engagement with 33,819 ballots cast from the constituency’s electorate. AEI urged improvements in voter mobilization ahead of future elections.
In its concluding assessment, AEI commended the Electoral Commission, party agents and security services for contributing to a credible process. The institute recommended that election authorities address accreditation management shortfalls and take steps to improve the inclusion of independent and smaller‑party candidates, alongside initiatives to boost voter turnout.
About the observers
AEI said its teams focused on polling processes, party agent participation, security arrangements and overall election management. The observation mission’s report was signed by representatives of the AEI Electoral Research Department and Communications office.