- New Juaben South MP Michael Okyere Baafi has announced he will not seek re-election after his current term, citing the dangerous monetisation of Ghana’s electoral system.
- Speaking after the NPP’s defeat in the Akwatia by-election, Baafi alleged that voters were paid between GH¢500 and GH¢1,000 by the NDC.
- He also apologised for his earlier promise to resign if the NPP lost, a pledge he has since walked back.
- The by-election was won by Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the NDC, who polled 18,199 votes against the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu, who secured 15,235.
Michael Okyere Baafi, Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, says he’s stepping away from parliamentary politics after his current term — a decision he attributes to what he calls the dangerous monetisation of Ghana’s electoral system.
Speaking on Asaase Radio following the NPP’s loss in the Akwatia by-election, Baafi alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured victory through widespread vote buying. According to him, voters were paid between GH¢500 and GH¢1,000, with little emphasis on actual campaigning.
“We did all the work and campaigning, and we were confident of winning,” he said. “But the NDC’s strategy was to buy votes.”
The by-election, held on September 2, 2025, was triggered by the death of former MP Ernest Yaw Kumi. Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the NDC won with 18,199 votes, defeating the NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu, who polled 15,235.
Baafi also addressed his pre-election declaration that he would resign if the NPP lost the seat — a promise he has since retracted. He apologised to Ghanaians, saying the statement was made in the heat of campaigning to boost morale.
The MP’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning his refusal to honour his resignation pledge and others expressing concern over the growing influence of money in Ghanaian politics.
As Baafi prepares to exit the political stage, his comments have reignited debate over electoral integrity, campaign ethics, and the future of youth leadership in Ghana’s democracy.
