Ahead of the approaching Akwatia by-election, Michael Okyere Baafi, a former deputy minister of trade and industry and member of parliament for New Juaben South, has made a daring statement.
Mr. Baafi made it clear in a recent interview with GHOne TV that, he would leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP) if the party did not win the parliamentary seat in Akwatia. He says that the NPP has historically had sway in the constituency and that a defeat there would be disheartening as well as raise significant concerns about the party’s internal organization and strength.
“If the NPP loses Akwatia, I will resign from the party,” Mr. Baafi stressed during the interview.
The Akwatia by-election, according to Okyere Baafi, is a litmus test for the party’s readiness for the general elections in 2028 and goes beyond simply replacing a parliamentary seat. He went on to say that the NPP cannot afford to lose such an important election, particularly in places where the party has always been seen as secure.
In order to ensure success, Mr. Baafi also asked party executives, leaders, and grassroots people to band together. He stressed that the NPP’s success in the by-election and next national polls could only be ensured by unity and efficient organization.
The NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) are both keen to win the seat, and the Akwatia by-election has drawn a lot of attention in Ghanaian politics. As the country approaches the 2028 elections, political observers have characterized the contest as a high-stakes struggle that could influence how the public views the popularity of the ruling party.
I Am Now Convinced NPP Cannot Retain Akwatia Seat
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and stakeholders have urged both main political parties to refrain from using divisive language and to make sure that the people’s will is upheld in Akwatia. They have also called for a nonviolent, issue-based campaign.
The stakes are now much greater as the NPP prepares for what may be one of its most pivotal by-elections in recent memory, thanks to Mr. Baafi’s strong comments.
