A lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has urged the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, to honour his word and resign following the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the Akwatia by-election.
Mr. Baafi, speaking ahead of the polls on Tuesday, September 2, vowed to step down from Parliament if the NPP failed to retain the Akwatia seat. However, the election ended with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, securing victory over the NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu.
Reacting to the outcome, Dr. Zaato insisted the MP must follow through with his promise, stressing the importance of accountability in Ghana’s political culture.
Speaking on Joy News today, Dr. Zaato said, “There is a Member of Parliament who said that if the NPP loses this election, he is going to resign. And today people are calling on him, why don’t you resign? I also call on him to resign.”
Dr. Zaato further went on to criticise what he described as hypocrisy on steroids in Ghanaian politics, noting that politicians often make bold declarations but fail to hold themselves accountable.
Speaking on the outcome of the Akwatia by-election, Dr. Zaato emphasised the significance of the NDC’s win, saying it provided the party with a much-needed lift at a critical moment.
“The NDC needed this victory like a blind man needed his sight. This victory was a pick-me-up for the NDC more than anything else,” Dr. Zaato said.
The Akwatia by-election was held following the passing of Ernest Kumi, the former MP for the constituency.
