The Member of Parliament for the New Juaben South Constituency, Michael Okyere Baafi, says he is prepared to accept the will of the electorate should voters decide not to retain him as their parliamentary representative in future elections.
According to the legislator, the true test of leadership will become evident after his departure from office, insisting that the difference between his tenure and that of any successor would be clearly discernible to the people of the constituency.
Okyere Baafi made these remarks during an interview on Monday, January 19, 2026 on Afeema FM, a Koforidua-based radio station.
Speaking candidly, the MP described his approach to public service as distinct from that of many politicians, noting that his leadership style is grounded in personal sacrifice, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility toward his constituents.
“I have a soft heart for my people,” he said, explaining that he frequently goes beyond the conventional duties of an MP to support individuals who seek his assistance.
He emphasised that his motivation for serving in Parliament is not driven by a desire to remain in office indefinitely, but by a commitment to making a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of ordinary people in the New Juaben South Constituency.
The MP’s comments come at a time of heightened public scrutiny of elected officials, as voters increasingly demand accountability, empathy, and visible development outcomes from their representatives.
Although Okyere Baafi did not state whether he intends to seek re-election in future contests, his remarks suggest confidence that his record in office will speak for itself long after he exits Parliament.
Background
The New Juaben South Constituency was carved out ahead of the 2004 general elections. Prior to its creation, the area formed part of the larger New Juaben/Koforidua parliamentary seat.
Since its establishment, the constituency has largely remained a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with the exception of the early 1990s when the party boycotted the 1992 general elections.
In the first Parliament of the Fourth Republic (1992–1996), the broader New Juaben area was represented by David Sarpong Boateng of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). From 1996 onwards, the seat has been consistently held by the NPP.
Yaw Barimah represented the area in multiple terms between 1996 and 2008, including the first term after the formal creation of New Juaben South.
He was succeeded by Beatrice Bernice Boateng (2008–2012) and later by Mark Assibey-Yeboah, who served two consecutive terms from 2012 to 2020.
Michael Okyere Baafi won the seat in the 2020 general election and was retained by voters in the 2024 polls, continuing the NPP’s long-standing dominance in the constituency.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
