The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has dismissed an opinion poll predicting an NDC victory in the upcoming Akwatia by-election.

A survey by Global Info Analytics, released on August 28, projected a win for the NDC’s Bernard Bediako, who was said to be leading with 53% support against 47% for the NPP’s Solomon K. Asumadu. The poll, which sampled 2,050 voters across the constituency, positioned the NDC candidate ahead in the September 2 polls.

But speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, August 31, Mustapha rejected the findings, insisting the NPP is making significant inroads on the ground.

“Not at all [there is no panic among our ranks because of the poll putting NDC ahead],” he said. “Mussa Dankwah can do his polls for all we care. We didn’t come here to do a picnic. We are working.”

He also questioned the popularity of the NDC candidate within his own community.

“Our candidate is more light up. As I am speaking to you we are in the hometown of the NDC candidate and come and see the people here and their response. This guy doesn’t even talk to his own father. His own community people say he is snubbish. He is disrespectful so they are ready to vote for the NPP.”

The Akwatia by-election has become a closely watched contest, with both major parties investing heavily in their campaigns.