Focus on flagbearer race, let Akwatia by-election be

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to shift its focus to the party’s flagbearer race ahead of the 2028 elections instead of placing too much weight on the outcome of the Akwatia by-election.

According to him, the NPP should focus on its upcoming flagbearer elections rather than expending energy on the Akwatia by-election, arguing that while the by-election is of political interest, its overall impact on the party’s fortunes in Parliament and in the 2028 elections remains minimal.

“On a scale of importance, in NPP, this is like 1%. One extra seat in Parliament won’t make much of a difference. What they have to focus on is the election towards their flagbearers,” he said.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, he said although sympathy votes have historically favored spouses of late MPs in by-elections, the current political dynamics and the strength of incumbency would still not have secured victory for the NPP in Akwatia.

“History has shown us that sympathy votes matter, but in this case, it wouldn’t have helped them. The dynamics are very different.

“President Mahama is still in his honeymoon phase, and by every measure, he has done a good job holding the country together. That popularity is driving this election,” Mr. Bentil explained.

He further emphasized that development projects remain the biggest determinant of electoral outcomes in Ghana, unlike in advanced democracies where macroeconomic indicators dominate.

“In America, they say it’s the economy, stupid. In Ghana, the economy is about development projects. People don’t care so much about inflation or GDP; they care about roads, schools, and amenities that affect their daily lives,” he noted.

Mr. Bentil added that while predictions and analysis may vary, the signs do not look positive for the NPP. He, however, commended Ghana’s democratic culture where parties can lose elections and prepare to compete again.

“We can go to elections, fight hard, and if you lose, like Bawumia did, you come out, accept it, and prepare for another day. That’s the beauty of our democracy,” he said.

He concluded that the more pressing question for the NPP should be how its internal flagbearer contest will shape its chances in 2028, rather than expending energy on the Akwatia by-election.