NDC Demands Resignation of NPP MP Michael Okyere Baafi After Akwatia By-Election Loss
Following the National Democratic Congress (NDC) victory in the Akwatia Constituency by-election on September 2, 2025, the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer, has called for the resignation of Michael Okyere Baafi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for New Juaben South. Tanko Computer’s demand stems from a bold pre-election promise made by Baafi, who vowed to resign as MP if the NPP lost the Akwatia by-election. With the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo securing the seat, Tanko Computer insists that Baafi must honor his pledge or face serious consequences, including a potential petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to declare Baafi’s seat vacant.
“We will not forgive him. If we do, Ghanaians will not trust politicians,” Tanko Computer declared in an interview with 3News on September 2, 2025. He emphasized the importance of holding politicians accountable for their public statements, arguing that Baafi’s failure to resign would undermine public trust in political leadership. “He said it himself, so he must resign. He must resign so that we have a by-election in his constituency,” Tanko Computer added, signaling the NDC’s intent to pursue the matter aggressively.
The controversy began when Baafi, in an interview with GHOne TV on August 31, 2025, confidently stated, “If NPP loses this Akwatia by-election, I will resign as MP, mark my words!” His remarks were made in the context of the NPP’s vigorous campaign to retain the Akwatia seat, which became vacant following the death of NPP MP Ernest Kumi in July 2025. Baafi, a former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry and a prominent figure in the NPP, expressed strong optimism about the party’s chances, citing their extensive campaign efforts and the popularity of their candidate, Solomon Asumadu. However, the final results dashed those hopes, with the Electoral Commission certifying that Bernard Bediako Baidoo (NDC) won with 18,199 votes, defeating Solomon Asumadu (NPP), who garnered 15,235 votes, and Patrick Owusu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), who received just 82 votes. Out of 33,819 valid votes cast, 303 ballots were rejected.
After the NDC’s victory was confirmed, reports surfaced that Baafi had apologized for his earlier statement, but Tanko Computer dismissed the apology as insufficient. “He has apologized, but we are not accepting his apology. He must resign,” Tanko Computer insisted, reinforcing his call for accountability. He argued that Baafi’s promise was a public commitment that must be fulfilled to maintain credibility in Ghanaian politics. “If he doesn’t resign, Ghanaians will not take politicians seriously,” he said, highlighting the broader implications for public trust in elected officials.
Tanko Computer’s stance was echoed by security expert Dr. Ishmael Norman, who also called for Baafi’s resignation during TV3’s coverage of the Akwatia by-election on September 2, 2025. Norman criticized Baafi’s failure to follow through on his pledge, stating, “I want to see honorable Baafi resign because he made this announcement.” He went further, suggesting that if Baafi does not step down voluntarily, the NPP should expel him from the party. “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,” Norman said. He argued that Baafi’s refusal to resign reflects a lack of credibility within the NPP, adding, “It goes to the fact that there’s no credibility within NPP as it is now. I believe that the NPP structure has collapsed.”
Norman also expressed frustration that Ghana’s parliamentary system lacks a mechanism for constituencies to hold a vote of no confidence against MPs, which he believes could address situations like Baafi’s. “I wish there was a way that constituencies can have a vote of no confidence,” he remarked, underscoring the need for stronger accountability measures in Ghanaian politics.
The Akwatia by-election was a high-stakes contest in a constituency known for its competitive electoral history. Since 1992, Akwatia has been a swing seat, with the NPP winning it five times and the NDC four times, often by narrow margins. The 2024 general election saw Ernest Kumi secure the seat for the NPP by just 2,063 votes, making the by-election a critical test for both parties. Pre-election polls by Sanity Africa and Global InfoAnalytics had predicted a slight edge for the NDC, a forecast that proved accurate with Bediako’s victory.
The by-election process was largely peaceful, with over 5,000 police officers ensuring security. However, tensions arose, including a reported altercation involving an NPP official and an NDC member’s escort. Additionally, the absence of NPP agents at the collation center by 7:20 p.m. raised concerns about their oversight of the vote-counting process. Despite these challenges, the EC completed the collation, and the NDC celebrated their win, with supporters reportedly blocking roads in jubilation.
The NDC’s victory strengthens their parliamentary supermajority (184 seats), while the NPP, with 88 seats, faces questions about their strategy and leadership. Baafi’s promise and subsequent refusal to resign have intensified scrutiny on the NPP, with critics like Tanko Computer and Norman arguing that his actions reflect poorly on the party’s integrity. The NDC’s threat to petition the Speaker of Parliament could lead to further political fallout, potentially triggering a by-election in New Juaben South if Baafi’s seat is declared vacant.
As the dust settles on the Akwatia by-election, the focus now shifts to whether Baafi will honor his pledge or face mounting pressure from the NDC and public opinion. The outcome of this saga could have lasting implications for political accountability in Ghana and the NPP’s efforts to rebuild after their loss.
