Ako Gunn Confirms NDC’s Participation in Akwatia By-Election, Accuses NPP of Political Gamesmanship

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed its decision to contest the upcoming Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025, while accusing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of engaging in a calculated political maneuver to influence public sentiment.

This follows the NPP’s announcement that it will not field a candidate in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election, which became necessary after the tragic death of MP Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed in the August 6 helicopter crash.

In a statement signed by Deputy National Communications Officer Godwin Ako Gunn, the NDC welcomed the NPP’s decision, calling it “the best decision they have taken in recent times,” but suggested it was aimed at avoiding electoral defeat while courting public sympathy ahead of the Akwatia polls.

“This is not the first time that a political party has refused to contest in a by-election. The NDC refused to contest in Ejisu after the demise of John Kumah. We also want to put on record that the Akwatia seat was in court and was not conclusive until the unfortunate demise of our brother Ernest Kumi,” the statement read.

The NDC cautioned against accepting the NPP’s stance at face value, citing past instances where the ruling party initially claimed non-participation but later reversed course. “In the Ablekumah North rerun, the NPP declared that they were not contesting, but in fact, they were the first to hit the grounds,” Mr. Gunn noted.

Condolences were extended to the family of the late Ernest Kumi, whose death necessitated the by-election, as well as to the families of the “gallant eight heroes” the nation is mourning.

Mr. Gunn urged party members to remain mindful in their public comments during this period of national grief. “Let us be circumspect in our remarks at this time of mourning,” he advised.

The Akwatia by-election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political contests ahead of the 2026 general elections.