The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has conceded defeat in the Akwatia by-election, accepting the results as the decision of the people.
According to the Electoral Commission’s verified findings, Bediako received 18,199 votes out of the total number of valid ballots cast. His closest challenger, Kwame Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 15,235 votes.
Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) finished far behind with 82 votes. Of the total ballots cast, 33,819 were legitimate, with 303 rejected.
The NPP’s Eastern Regional Secretary, Tony Osei-Adjei, stated that, while the party is sad, it respects the people’ decision.
“We are a bit disappointed because that wasn’t what we expected but the constituents have spoken so we take it in good faith,” Osei-Adjei stated.
Reflecting on the late Ernest Kumi’s commitment to the constituency, Osei-Adjei expressed regret that the party was unable to retain the seat in his honour.
“To some extent, we disappointed him because he has lost his life in trying to maintain the seat. He won, he had ran every bit of his life chasing to restore his honour and dignity to his constituents,” he said.
He also referenced the legal challenges Kumi faced prior to his death.
“Somewhere along the line he lost when the Supreme Court gave the first ruling and it was left with the Koforidua court to take a decision on it.”
