If I Were President, I Wouldn’t Fix Akwatia Roads If They Voted NPP – Collins Dauda Sparks By-Election Controversy

By Joylinda Laryea / 2nd September, 2025

Member of Parliament for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, has stirred political debate with comments suggesting that road infrastructure in Akwatia could be influenced by the constituency's voting choices in the ongoing by-election.

Speaking to journalists during a campaign stop in Akwatia, the veteran National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmaker asserted that development, particularly road construction, should reflect the level of political support a community shows.

“We will fix Akwatia roads, and we expect the people to reciprocate that support,” Dauda stated. “I cannot say outright that the roads won’t be fixed if they vote for the NPP, but if I were the President, I wouldn’t have fixed the roads.”

The by-election was necessitated by the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi. The contest has drawn intense focus, with both the NDC and New Patriotic Party (NPP) making strong bids to win the seat.

Reflecting on the 2024 general elections, Dauda highlighted the political shift that saw the NDC take control of Parliament with over 180 seats, while the NPP managed just 88. “Back then, we didn’t know who would win between Dr. Bawumia and President Mahama. In the end, President Mahama emerged victorious and now controls the resources of the state,” he emphasized.

Dauda urged Akwatia voters to take this new political landscape into account when casting their ballots.

“If the people of Akwatia want development, they should know who is in charge. This is a special election, and it requires special thinking,” he added.

His comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some accusing him of politicizing development and using infrastructure as a political bargaining chip, while others argue he is simply being pragmatic about the realities of governance and political alignment.

The by-election continues to generate high tension as both parties ramp up efforts to secure the strategic parliamentary seat.