Akwatia By-Election: Don’t Press NPP’s Neck Too Hard – Prof Gyampo Appeals to NDC

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has advised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to tread lightly in the upcoming by-election in the Akwatia constituency following the sudden death of the area’s Member of Parliament.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Prof Gyampo appealed to the leadership of the NDC to consider the sensitive nature of the situation and show restraint towards the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“I think the NDC should not press the neck of the NPP too hard going into the Akwatia constituency by-elections. The manner in which they lost the former MP is rather unfortunate. I think they should go easy on them. Possibly, they should even stay away from contesting the seat,” he said.

The by-election has been triggered by the passing of the sitting MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi of the NPP, who died on July 7, 2025, after a brief illness. His death has cast a shadow over political activities in the constituency.

However, Prof Gyampo’s suggestion was quickly dismissed by Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, who also appeared on the programme. He insisted that under similar circumstances, the NPP would not hesitate to contest and win, and so the NDC would not be lenient.

“In politics, sympathy alone doesn’t win seats. The NPP would never give the NDC a free pass. We’ll contest and contest to win,” Dafeamekpor emphasized.

The Akwatia by-election is expected to be fiercely contested despite calls for compassion, with both parties gearing up to retain or capture the strategic seat.