NPP's Ernest Kumi declared MP-elect for Akwatia, NDC disputes outcome

After days of suspense and contention, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared Ernest Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia in the Eastern Region. The announcement was made at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra.

Mr. Kumi, who secured 19,269 votes, outran Henry Yiadom Boakye of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who managed 17,206 votes.

The declaration came after several failed attempts to finalize the election results in Akwatia, a constituency known for its political volatility.

The electoral journey in Akwatia was far from straightforward. Initially, the EC faced significant challenges in collating the votes within the Eastern Region, leading to the unprecedented decision to relocate the final collation to Accra. This move was in response to escalating tensions and accusations of electoral misconduct.

Mr. Kumi, who had previously triumphed in the NPP's internal primaries in 2023 over Ama Sey, was seen as a rising star within the party. His path to victory in the general election, however, was mired by controversies that included allegations of irregularities and logistical nightmares during the vote count.

The relocation to the National Police Training School was aimed at ensuring a neutral ground for finalizing the results, with both NPP and NDC representatives present. This step, while intended to promote transparency and security, sparked a divide in public opinion. NDC supporters criticized the EC's decision, claiming it disenfranchised local voices and cast doubts on the integrity of the election. Conversely, the NPP praised the EC for its proactive approach in resolving the impasse.

The constituencies of Suhum, Nsawam, and Fanteakwa North also had their results re-collated in Accra due to similar disputes, highlighting a broader issue within the Eastern Region's electoral process this cycle.

Meanhwhile, the NDC says the party will not accept the declaration. Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, a member of the party in an interview said the party will not accept the declaration of Mr. Kumi as the MP-elect for the Akwatia constituency in the Eastern Region.

“They don’t have a pink sheet at all; they have photocopies of what is considered the pink sheet,” he said in an interview with Joy News.