The Eastern Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kofi Osei Adjei, has rejected mounting calls for New Juaben South Member of Parliament, Michael Okyere Baafi, to resign following his controversial remark during the Akwatia by-election campaign.
Mr. Osei Adjei insists that the legislator’s public apology should be enough to settle the matter, stressing that the NPP will not yield to pressure, particularly from social media and political opponents.
“He has already issued a statement saying he’s sorry for his comment. He apologised to the public for his comment. So I think the case should end there. He will not succumb to the pressure online that he should resign,” the NPP Regional Secretary said.
The controversy stems from a bold statement made by Mr. Okyere Baafi in the run-up to the Akwatia by-election. Speaking at a campaign event, he declared:
“If the NPP loses this Akwatia by-election, I will resign as MP. Mark my words!”
His words sparked widespread criticism, especially after the NPP failed to retain the seat. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, won the contest with 18,199 votes against the NPP’s 15,235, taking the seat that became vacant following the death of NPP MP Ernest Kumi on July 7, 2025.
Following the defeat, Mr. Okyere Baafi issued a public apology, admitting his comment was “a step too far” made in the heat of the campaign to motivate supporters.
He expressed regret for the statement and pleaded for understanding from the public.
Despite the backlash, Mr. Osei Adjei strongly defended the New Juaben South MP, describing his statement as a “political comment” that should not warrant resignation.
“There are people who have said worse things and are still in Parliament. The Communications Minister is even one of them, so I don’t think he should be tied to whatever he said. It was a political comment that he made,” he stressed.
He also dismissed calls from the opposition NDC, including its Ashanti Regional Chairman and Deputy Director of IT and Elections, Rashid Tanko Computer, that Mr. Baafi should honour his word and resign.
The development has triggered intense debate among constituents and across social media. While critics argue that politicians must be held accountable for their words, others believe that Mr. Baafi’s apology should be enough to bring the matter to a close.
For now, the Eastern Regional leadership of the NPP has made its position clear: Okyere Baafi will not resign, and the party considers the matter settled.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
