Akwatia By-election: Will NDC’s Last-Minute DVLA Commissioning Secure Victory? – The Verdict
- The NDC government commissioned a DVLA office in Akwatia just two days before the by-election, sparking debate over timing and motive
- Critics like General Mohammed Buhari claimed the move was politically motivated and could benefit the NPP, arguing the project was initiated by Nana Addo’s government
- History showed that last-minute projects didn’t always sway voters, causing uncertainty over whether the commissioning would impact the outcome of the Akwatia by-election
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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has commissioned a new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office in Akwatia, just two days ahead of the much-anticipated by-election in the constituency.
Source: Twitter
The inauguration ceremony attracted government officials, party supporters, and traditional leaders.
According to the government, the facility is expected to ease pressure on DVLA centres in Koforidua and Oda, while also creating job opportunities for locals.
For residents, the new office means they will no longer have to travel long distances to access DVLA services.
But the timing of the commissioning has raised eyebrows among political activists, who argue it could be a calculated move to influence voter decisions ahead of the September 2, 2025, poll.
Watch the video of the newly built ultra-modern DVLA office in Akwatia below:
YEN.com.gh contacted political activist and critic General Mohammed Buhari for his views on the matter.
Source: Twitter
On the timing, he said:
“The timing of the DVLA commissioning is, of course, politically motivated. This action was taken to induce the voters in Akwatia, but the truth is, the voters know that the DVLA office was built by the NPP government under Nana Addo. Even if this office affects voting, it may go in favour of the NPP.”
Asked if the move could be seen as an inducement or vote-buying, Buhari responded:
“Yes! The intent is to induce the voters, hence the last-minute commissioning.”
He further argued that such actions compromise electoral fairness.
“The ruling government uses state resources to host events like this, commissioning to woo voters, which isn’t fair to opposition parties since they don’t have access to national resources.”
Drawing historical parallels, Buhari pointed out that the practice is not new in Ghanaian politics.
“We’ve seen tarring of roads at night and commissioning of projects. This happened during the Talensi by-election in 2015 and in Kumawu in 2023. It seems to have become the norm.”
However, he cautioned against assuming that the commissioning would translate into votes for the NDC.
“The political dynamics differ from area to area. In Assin North, despite commissioning projects and constructing roads when the election was nearing, the ruling party still lost. So I won’t be surprised if the NDC loses massively in Akwatia despite commissioning the DVLA office built by Nana Addo and the NPP.”
The Akwatia by-election, triggered by the death of sitting MP Ernest Kumi, has become a battleground between the NDC and NPP.
With the commissioning of the DVLA office adding a fresh layer of political drama, all eyes are on the constituency as residents prepare to cast their ballots.
Source: Facebook
Sanity Africa tips NDC for Akwatia victory
Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that Sanity Africa projects NDC’s Bernard Baidoo to win the Akwatia by-election with 52.3% against NPP’s Solomon K. Asumadu’s 47.7%. Baidoo is popular among educated voters, while Asumadu appeals more to the unemployed and uneducated.
The September 2 by-election follows the death of MP Ernest Kumi. Analysts say voter turnout will be key, with each candidate drawing strength from different social groups.
Campaign activity is intense as Mahama prepares to visit Akwatia, while Akufo-Addo and Bawumia back the NPP candidate. Police have arrested 10 suspects and seized nine guns to maintain security.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
