The newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, Bernad Baidoo, has said his victory in Tuesday’s by-election mirrors the electorate’s verdict on the eight-year governance of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, a day after securing the seat, Baidoo argued that the outcome was not only about local dynamics but also a broader reflection of national dissatisfaction with the NPP’s performance in government.

"Over the past eight years, nothing really happened in the constituency. This election is a reflection of the mandate of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP for the eight years."

"H.E John Dramani Mahama just came to power so if he is not able to do much but touched on a road which is not even up to a kilometre and the people are so excited, that should tell you how hungry they have been with regards to development," he added.

"Kusi (a community where a road construction was ongoing amidst the by-election) have been so faithful to you [NPP government], over the years, since the fourth republic, they have not benefited anything from you [NPP government]," he argued.

He maintained that the people of Akwatia voted for change.

The private legal practitioner of the National Democratic Congress emerged victorious in the closely contested Akwatia by-election.

He polled 18,199 votes (about 54%), marking a key breakthrough as the NDC reclaims the crucial swing seat from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Baidoo's closest contender, Solomon Kwame Asumadu of the NPP, polled 15,235 votes, and Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) garnered 82 votes.