The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, on multiple occasions has come under intense criticism, largely due to what many perceive to be controversial statements.

One of such was his remarks on the E-Levy, and the most recent being his statement on the just ended Akwatia by-election.

Another by-election looms as pressure mounts on NPP MP to resign

This GhanaWeb article highlights the various instances in which the lawmaker’s utterances attracted public backlash.

1. Accept E-Levy or Free SHS gets cancelled

The lawmaker during the period when conversations surrounding the approval of an Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) was at its peak, called on his constituents to support the then government’s decision.

He sought to suggest that, the government’s flagship programme, Free Senior High School (SHS), risks being terminated should the proposed tax policy fail to materialise.

At a town hall meeting to sensitise his constituents about the levy in 2022, Baafi noted that government will be forced to seek financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should Parliament fail to pass the proposed tax policy.

The move, according to him, could lead to the cancellation of the Free SHS programme.

“If we don’t pay the e-levy and we go to the World Bank or the IMF for loans, they will ask Akufo-Addo to cancel the Free SHS.

“This will affect your children. So, you must all accept the e-levy and pay it, so that it helps all of us,” Okyere Baafi stated.

2. I will resign if NPP loses Akwatia seat

Michael Okyere Baafi ahead of the Akwatia by-election made a declaration, vowing to resign from Parliament if his party fails to reclaim the seat.

'If NPP loses Akwatia by-election, I will resign as MP' – Michael Okyere Baafi vows

"… Confidently, I’m telling you. Mark my words! If NPP loses this Akwatia by-election, I will resign as a Member of Parliament. We will win and by close of day Tuesday, September 2, you will see that we have won the elections,” he said in a GH One TV interview on August 31, 2025.

However, his comments have received backlash following the NPP’s defeat, with many mounting pressure on him to honor his promise and resign.

MAG/VPO

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