Some young women in Akwatia have openly stated that financial inducements from political parties heavily influence their voting decisions.

Speaking to Accra-based Citi News during the by-election, they stated that, unlike the 2024 general elections, no money is being distributed by candidates or parties this time.

Consequently, they do not feel motivated to go and vote.

“During the 2024 election, we received money,” one of them confessed. “However, in this by-election, there is no money for us, and the police have also taken over the constituency. We are not getting anything.”

Another added, “We love money, and that is how we have been trained. So we won’t vote if we don't get the money.”

The women explained that for many residents, particularly the youth, financial and material benefits often outweigh party manifestos or campaign promises.

“We prioritise money in everything we do,” one emphasized.

The by-election in Akwatia was triggered by the death of sitting Member of Parliament Ernest Yaw Kumi in July 2025. The contest is a fierce battle between the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Solomon Kwame Asumadu and the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Bernard Bediako Baidoo.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has assured stakeholders of a free and fair process, while the Ghana Police Service has deployed over 5,000 officers to maintain security across the constituency.

Watch the video below:

#AkwatiaByElection: “We’ve been trained this way. We love money!” — Some Akwatia constituents express displeasure over the lack of monetary favors due to heavy security presence. One said she’s waiting to be “paid” before voting.

Live coverage: https://t.co/EaCzyMSIMA… pic.twitter.com/HAZoDWvBuF

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) September 2, 2025