The National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has called on voters in the Akwatia constituency to rally behind the party’s candidate, Bernard Bediako Baidoo Esq, in the upcoming by-election slated for September 2.
The by-election was necessitated by the sudden passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the area’s Member of Parliament. Contesting alongside Baidoo are Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Owusu Patrick of the Liberal People’s Party (LPG).
Tensions have been heightened ahead of the polls after the Eastern South Regional Police Command arrested ten suspects and seized nine weapons during recent security operations.
Speaking to journalists as the NDC youth wing intensified its campaign in the constituency, Opare Addo stressed that the NDC remains a law-abiding party committed to peace and will not engage in activities that could destabilize the electoral process.
He emphasized that the election was not about numbers in Parliament but about ensuring Akwatia has a strong, effective voice in the legislature.
“Parliament is about somebody who can speak and advocate for you. Parliament is about somebody who can stand up and let his voice be heard. Parliament is about somebody who can go out there and tell the people what the concerns of his citizens are. It is not just to add up numbers. Because, you see, colleagues, this election is a foregone conclusion. The NDC automatically has two-thirds in Parliament.
This election will not change that result. The day we won Ablekuma North, it gave us an automatic two-thirds. That gives us absolute power to do whatever we want in the House. But we are a conscionable party. We are not like the others. We are reasonable. And so we will not abuse that power you have given to us,” he said.
Opare Addo described Bernard Bediako Baidoo as a candidate who embodies those qualities, urging constituents to entrust him with their mandate to bring meaningful development to the area.
