Member of parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, has sworn not to run in any more elections if Ghana’s political process continues to become monetized.
Speaking after the by-election in Akwatia on September 2, 2025, he said vote buying is a risky practice that threatens the nation’s democracy.
He alleged that the rival National Democratic Congress (NDC) was trying to influence voters by giving away money and goods like hair dryers and sprayers.He also said that on election day, people were paid between GH₵500 and GH₵1,000.
“If this is how our election is going to be, then I will not contest as MP in the next election,” he said in an interview with AsaasePa on Tuesday, September 2.
The MP also expressed regret for a previous statement in which he threatened to step down if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the by-election in Akwatia.
He acknowledged that he “went a step too far” but clarified that the speech was intended to inspire his campaign crew.
“I apologize to the people of Ghana for it.He emphasized that extensive vote buying influenced the result, saying, “Looking at the work we had done, there was no way we could have lost the election.”
Author: Jasmine Adjei
Development journalist
