Pressure appears to be mounting on the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, to fulfill his promise to resign, following the New Patriotic Party candidate’s defeat in the Akwatia by-election held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

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.

Almost every voter in Akwatia by-election received GH¢500 - 1,000 from NDC – Okyere Baafi alleges

"… 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, 2025, you will see we have won the elections,” he said in a GH One TV interview on August 31, 2025.

However, the lawmaker appears to have backtracked on his pledge, issuing a public apology for his remarks following the party’s defeat in the Akwatia by-election.

He has also refused to resign.

In an interview with Asaaseradio on September 2, 2025, Okyere Baafi rendered an apology to all Ghanaians for his comment, saying, "Maybe in hindsight, I went too far, I apologise to Ghana."

Despite his apology, many prominent figures have criticised him, calling for his resignation from his position as Member of Parliament.

Here are some of the personalities below;

Rashid Tanko Computer

The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has outrightly rejected the lawmaker’s apology to Ghanaians, stating that his failure to stand by his words could erode public trust in politicians.

“We are going to Michael Okyere Baafi’s constituency. He has apologised, but we will not accept his apology. He must resign. If he doesn’t resign, Ghanaians will not take politicians seriously.

“We must be serious. They must hold us to our words. Whatever comes out of my mouth, they must take it seriously. I can’t just stand here and make allegations. I can’t say certain things, and then within 24 hours [apologise],” he told journalists after Akwatia by-election results were declared on September 2, 2025.

“Do you know that he came in here when we were about to start the collation, beaming with smiles, telling me that ‘we are winning’, until I showed him the results on my phone that ‘my friend, you have lost the election and I’m coming to your constituency for the by-election, then he started sweating. That was the time he got to know that things had changed.

“The gentleman made a categorical statement, ‘I will resign’. Ah, let us go and test their strength in that constituency and see whether that is a stronghold of the NPP,” he added.

Dr Ishmeal Norman

Security Expert, Dr Ishmael Norman has descended heavily on Okyere Baafi urging him to do the most honorable thing and resign from his position as MP.

This, Dr Norman explained, will be in fulfilment of Okyere Baafi's personal pledge to the nation ahead of the Akwatia by-election that he would resign as a member of parliament if his party lost.

"I want to see Honorable Baafi resign because he made this announcement. I wish there was a way that constituencies can have a vote of no confidence," Dr Norman said.

"Seriously, who compelled him to make that statement that if NPP doesn't win, he will resign. NPP would not, so he should; otherwise, the party should kick him out," he asked.

"It goes to the fact that there's no credibility within NPP as it is now," he added.

Dr Frank Amoakohene

Following the official declaration by the Electoral Commission in the Akwatia by-election, the Ashanti Regional Minister, in a series of Facebook posts on September 2, 2025, called for preparations toward another by-election in New Juaben.

“Guys Done deal! Prepare for another By-elections at New Juaben,” he posted.

In another post, the minister used a cryptic phrase commonly circulated among NDC members during elections, urging them to shift their focus to New Juaben, asserting that the party would hold Okyere Baafi accountable for his resignation promise.

“Deactivate all body cameras. Eagle eyes on New Juaben,” he said.

Prof Kobby Mensah

Professor Kobby Mensah, has also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Okyere Baafi, calling for his resignation.

Reacting to a GH One video in which the lawmaker made his statements, Prof Mensah simply wrote, “Your resignation letter please”.

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

John Dumelo

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, has also questioned Okyere Baafi about when he intends to resign from his parliamentary role.

Posting on X on September 2, 2025, he said “Has anyone seen Hon Baafi of New Juaben South? Please ask him what time he's resigning.”

MAG/VPO

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