Eastern Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Mark-Oliver Kevor, has downplayed suggestions that the upcoming Akwatia by-election will be determined by emotions or sympathy, stressing that development remains the decisive issue for voters.

Speaking on the political climate ahead of the polls, Dr Kevor said attempts to frame the contest around personal popularity or sentiment do not reflect the priorities of the electorate. According to him, residents are focused on choosing a candidate capable of delivering tangible development to the constituency.

“This election is not about sympathy. Sympathy is low on the issues. It is about development, and rational voters know who can bring that development to Akwatia,” he stated.

He explained that the by-election will neither change the presidency nor significantly alter the parliamentary majority, meaning voters will prioritize which candidate can use their mandate to drive local projects. Dr. Kevor argued that this puts the NDC’s candidate, Lawyer Bernard Oduro Takyi, in a stronger position.

Highlighting Akwatia’s long-standing challenges as a mining community, Dr. Kevor said the constituency has immense potential but continues to struggle with poor infrastructure, inadequate social amenities, and slow development.

“This is a constituency with immense potential, but the people continue to live with the absence of essential infrastructure. Rational voters are asking themselves, who is best positioned to change this story? The answer is clear, it is the NDC’s candidate,” he emphasised.

He added that the NDC is better placed than the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to attract development projects to the area. Even if the NPP wins, he said, it would neither shift the balance of power in Parliament nor guarantee additional local development.

“Voters understand that electing an NPP candidate will not change the balance in Parliament. Supporting the NDC candidate gives Akwatia a stronger voice and a clearer path to the development it deserves,” he argued.

Expressing confidence in the party’s chances, Dr Kevor predicted that the by-election outcome would reflect the electorate’s preference for progress and development over emotional considerations, citing the NDC’s clear strategy and strong grassroots support.