"Ernest Kumi's Spirit Will Not Rest Until His Seat is Retained": NPP Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha
- NPP Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, has urged the party to win the Akwatia by-election to honour the late MP Ernest Kumi
- He believes the party risks spiritual consequences if it fails to retain the seat in the September 2, 2025, by-election
- NPP and NDC have picked Solomon Asumadu and Bernard Baidoo respectively as candidates for the crucial vote
- Apostle Eric Okai, senior pastor at the Elim Church in Accra, shared his views on this in a discussion with YEN.com.gh
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The Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has reiterated his party's resolve to win the forthcoming Akwatia by-election.
The Akwatia by-election, which is slated for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, was necessitated by the untimely death of the late Member of Parliament for the area, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
Source: Facebook
Ernest Kumi died at the Lister Hospital in Accra on Monday, July 7, 2025, after a short illness.
Speaking to UTV on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Salam Mustapha said the NPP cannot afford to lose Akwatia, as the consequences would be spiritually dire.
He suggested that the late MP's soul would not forgive the party if they fail to retain the seat in his memory.
"The spirit of Ernest Kumi will not rest until his seat is retained!" he said.
Consequently, the NPP youth organiser urged constituents of Akwatia to come out in large numbers to vote for them.
Apostle Okai links election fate to beliefs
Reacting to this in a discussion with YEN.com.gh, Apostle Okai, senior pastor at the Elim Church in Accra, stated that in many cultures, including Ghanaian culture, there was a deep-seated belief in the spiritual realm and the impact of honouring or dishonouring the wishes of the deceased.
He added that some people believed that failing to meet the wishes of the deceased could have spiritual consequences, such as bringing misfortune or curses upon the family, community, or political party.
However, he emphasised that whether or not there were spiritual consequences depended on one's faith, cultural background, and personal beliefs.
"In many cultures, including Ghanaian culture, there is a deep-seated belief in the spiritual realm and the impact of honouring or dishonouring the wishes of the deceased. some people believe that failing to meet the wishes of the deceased can have spiritual consequences, such as bringing misfortune or curses upon the family, community, or in this case, the political party," he said.
"However, it is essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and understanding. While some people may believe in spiritual consequences, others may not. Ultimately, whether or not there are spiritual consequences depends on one's faith, cultural background, and personal beliefs," he continued.
"In the context of the Akwatia by-election, the NPP's success or failure will likely depend on various factors, including their campaign strategy, voter turnout, and the performance of their candidate. While honouring the late MP's legacy might be a motivating factor for some party supporters, it is crucial to separate spiritual beliefs from political realities," he concluded.
Read Salam Mustapha's Facebook post here.
NPP, NDC pick candidates for Akwatia by-election
Meanwhile, both the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have picked their candidates for the Akwatia by-election.
Solomon Kwame Asumadu has been endorsed by the NPP as its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming by-election without holding a primary.
Source: UGC
According to the party, the decision was made after stakeholder consultations, where a proposal to hold primaries was rejected in favour of a consensus approach.
Solomon Kwame Asumadu is the Chief Executive Officer of Owuo Mining Company.
The NDC, on the other hand, has also elected Bernard Bediako Baidoo, a private legal practitioner, to face off with the NPP candidate.
The Akwatia constituency is historically a swing seat, with both the NDC and NPP winning it in previous elections.
However, in the 2024 elections, the late Ernest Kumi won it for the NPP after defeating the NDC's Henry Boakye.
NPP vows to retain Akwatia seat
Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the opposition NPP, has affirmed the party’s readiness for the upcoming Akwatia parliamentary by-election.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Mr Frimpong said the NPP has completed its groundwork and is fully prepared to challenge the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025.
NDC poised to win Akwatia by-election
In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported that the NDC expressed its determination to claim the Akwatia seat in honour of the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah.
Rashid Tanko-Computer said the late minister’s strategies had significantly shaped the party’s electoral approach.
He vowed to continue Dr Omane Boamah’s legacy and honour him by ensuring the NDC won the Akwatia by-election.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
