The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the upcoming Akwatia by-election, Bernard Bediako, has defended his decision to contest against his former client, Henry Boakye Yiadom, in the party primaries.
Mr. Bediako, who also serves as the NDC Constituency Secretary for Akwatia, polled 380 votes in the primaries held on Monday, August 4, 2025. He defeated close contender Erasmus Ali Korney, who secured 366 votes, and former MP and 2024 parliamentary candidate Henry Boakye Yiadom, whom he previously represented as legal counsel, with Mr. Yiadom garnering 226 votes.
His victory drew mixed reactions, largely due to his decision to contest while his former client was also in the race.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Bediako explained that his entry into the race was prompted by calls from the grassroots.
“I was done with my work as a legal representative and took over my political hat. The branches and some stakeholders impressed upon me to come in and change a certain narrative. That is why I contested, and the delegates believed in me,” he said.
He described Mr. Yiadom as a father figure and revealed that they continue to share a strong bond despite the primary contest. According to him, Mr. Yiadom has been instrumental in shaping his campaign strategy for the upcoming polls.
“Just after the election, he asked me to bring my strategy so we hit the ground working. He has been with me day and night for this campaign together with other bigwigs. They believe in the strategy we are using,” he added.
Mr. Bediako stressed that the Akwatia by-election is a fresh contest and should not be linked to the legal challenges that followed the 2024 parliamentary elections.
“If the court had ordered a re-run, I wouldn’t have had any chance to contest because that would have been wrong. But this is a fresh election with a new NPP candidate and a new NDC candidate,” he clarified.
Taking a swipe at his main opponent, Solomon Asumadu of the NPP, Mr. Bediako noted that unlike the NDC, whose former aspirants have rallied behind him, his rival lacks the backing of those who previously expressed interest in the NPP race.
The Akwatia by-election is scheduled for September 2, 2025, following the death of sitting MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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