I’m sorry – Okyere Baafi apologises to Ghanaians but refuses to resign (VIDEO)
The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, has issued an unqualified apology to Ghanaians after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the Akwatia by-election on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
His apology follows intense pressure on him to step down after he vowed to resign if his party failed to win the seat. The NPP lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose candidate Bernard Baidoo emerged victorious with 18,199 votes, while the NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu polled 15,235.
Speaking to Asaase Radio even before the Electoral Commission officially declared the results, Okyere Baafi admitted his comments were made in the heat of the moment and went too far.
“Maybe in hindsight, I went too far. I apologise to Ghana,” he said.
The MP explained that he made the bold pledge due to the overwhelming enthusiasm and strong turnout he witnessed during the NPP’s campaign in the constituency, which gave him confidence in a victory.
However, his remarks have now sparked criticism, with figures like Rashid Tanko-Computer and Dr. Ishmael Norman calling for him to honour his word by resigning.
Dr. Norman stated, “I want to see Honourable Baafi resign because he made this announcement. I wish there was a way constituencies could have a vote of no confidence. Seriously, who compelled him to make that statement that if the NPP doesn’t win, he will resign? If he won’t, the party should kick him out.”
Okyere Baafi, however, has chosen to apologise rather than resign. He shifted focus to a broader issue, arguing that Ghana’s electoral system has become heavily influenced by money.
“To me, what is important is that our system for conducting elections has now become dangerous. If you don’t have money, you can’t win an election,” he said.
— Serwaa Amihere (@Serwaa_Amihere) September 2, 2025