The Electoral Commission of Ghana has officially declared Ernest Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Member of Parliament-elect for the Akwatia constituency after a prolonged and contentious electoral process. Kumi secured victory with 19,269 votes, defeating the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Henry Yiadom Boakye, who garnered 17,206 votes.
The declaration was announced at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, following a series of failed attempts to finalize the results in the Eastern Region. The Akwatia constituency, a traditional NPP stronghold, became a national focus during the December 7 elections due to its heated disputes and significant delays in declaring results.
The road to Ernest Kumi’s victory was anything but smooth. Having previously won the NPP primaries in 2023 against Ama Sey, Kumi was expected to strengthen the party’s hold on the constituency. His primary victory was viewed as a testament to his growing influence within the party and his readiness to take on the general elections. However, the electoral process for the parliamentary seat was marred by numerous controversies, with tension rising at every stage.
The Akwatia constituency was among four constituencies in the Eastern Region—alongside Suhum, Nsawam, and Fanteakwa North—that experienced severe challenges during the collation of results. Persistent resistance, logistical setbacks, and allegations of irregularities during the collation process forced the Electoral Commission to relocate the collation to the National Police Training School in Accra.
This decision to move the collation center to Tesano was met with mixed reactions. While the NPP hailed it as a bold step to ensure transparency and finality, the NDC criticized it, arguing that it undermined the credibility of the electoral process. Some opposition representatives claimed that the relocation disenfranchised local party agents and created opportunities for potential manipulation.
At the Tesano venue, representatives of both parties were present to observe the final stages of collation under a neutral and secure environment. This measure was deemed necessary to prevent further disputes and maintain order as tensions had been escalating in the Eastern Region.
Supporters of the NPP celebrated the eventual declaration, lauding the Electoral Commission for taking decisive action to bring closure to the protracted process. On the other hand, NDC loyalists expressed disappointment, maintaining their concerns over how the collation and declaration processes were handled.
The Akwatia saga also serves as a reflection of the broader challenges that characterized Ghana’s 2024 elections. Across the country, heightened tensions, allegations of electoral malpractices, and violent incidents were reported, underscoring the need for comprehensive electoral reforms.
Despite the controversies, Ernest Kumi’s declaration as the MP-elect marks a significant victory for the NPP, cementing its influence in a constituency that has historically backed the party. The declaration also ends weeks of uncertainty for residents of Akwatia, who had been anxiously awaiting the final outcome.
Moving forward, political observers have called for a review of the processes that led to the delays and disputes in Akwatia and other constituencies. They argue that lessons learned from the 2024 elections should inform future reforms to enhance the credibility and efficiency of Ghana’s electoral system.
As Ernest Kumi prepares to take office, his focus will likely be on reconciling the divided constituency and addressing the concerns of all residents, regardless of their political affiliations. His success in bridging the gaps created during the contentious electoral process will be critical in ensuring unity and fostering development in Akwatia.
The Akwatia saga serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, fairness, and efficiency in electoral processes. It is hoped that this experience will prompt stakeholders to work collaboratively toward building a more robust electoral system for the future.
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