The newly elected Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed claims by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that ongoing road construction projects in the constituency were timed to influence the September 2 by-election.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Baidoo explained that the road works were initiated after local chiefs directly appealed to President John Mahama through Chief of Staff Julius Debrah during his visit to Akwatia.
“The request came from the chiefs, and government had no option but to respond,” he said. “On the day the Chief of Staff introduced me to the chiefs, they demanded urgent interventions in their communities. That is what prompted the work, not politics.”
He emphasised that the timing was coincidental, noting that construction is still ongoing even after the by-election, which he said proves it was not an electoral gimmick.
“As we speak, the roads are still being worked on, even though the election is over. That should tell you it wasn’t just for votes,” Mr. Baidoo added.
The Akwatia by-election followed the passing of the constituency’s former NPP MP, Henry Boakye Yiadom. The contest was closely fought, with the NDC’s Baidoo securing a victory described by political analysts as a major boost for the governing party.
The NPP, however, accused the government of attempting to sway voters by rushing development projects, particularly road construction, in the run-up to the polls.
Certified results from the Electoral Commission (EC) showed that Baidoo secured 18,199 votes, defeating the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu, who polled 15,235. Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) finished third with 82 votes.
In total, 34,122 ballots were cast, of which 33,819 were valid and 303 rejected. Voting took place across 119 polling stations.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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