New Patriotic Party (NPP) members and some delegates within the New Juaben South constituency say they know the impact Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Free Zones Board, Michael Okyere Baafi has made in their lives and are hopeful he will triumph in the upcoming NPP primaries.

Mr. Baafi who will be contesting the New Juaben South seat on the ticket of the NPP for the second time having lost narrowly to the incumbent MP in the 2016 primaries is believed to have been very instrumental in the rejuvenation of the ruling NPP in the entire New Juaben South constituency and its environs through his social and financial support programs including jobs for NPP members.

Members of the party and some delegates who spoke to MyNewsGh.com said they like Michael Okyere Baafi for many reasons.

One of them being that when he has “something” for delegates, “he doesn’t discriminate based on who is perceived to be for or against him, Baafi treats everyone with equal respect and value. I think it is a good thing. Among ourselves we discussed it. When we finish voting for him, Baafi must not change, it is a good trait he must keep up. If he sent you people to come and talk to us, tell him not to change.” A delegate said.

During a recent visit by President Akufo-Addo, the groundswell of support for Baafi was evident when the vociferous supporters of Baafi demonstrated their resolve to annex the parliamentary slot and increase by a wide margin Akufo-Addo’s votes in the constituency. With huge applause, cheers and adulation, NPP members hailed Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi when he was introduced during a courtesy call by the President on the Paramount Chief of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Prof. (Emeritus) Nana Oti Boateng.

25,000 more votes for Akufo-Addo

About six months ago, The Free Zones Board CEO held a massive health walk to announce his candidature. Addressing thousands of supporters of the party who converged at the Jackson Park after the Health Walk, the Regional Vice Chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Omar Bodinga and the Director of Communication, David Prah, openly declared their support for Mr Baafi.

“We believe if Kofi Baafi becomes a candidate, the work we did in 2016 will be boosted and about 25,000 more votes will be added in the Eastern region,” Alhaji Bodinga told supporters of the party.

Mr Baafi used the platform to declare his intention to contest the New Juaben seat, assuring electorate he will change the “face of politics” in the constituency through education, job creation, and infrastructure development. According to him, politics is about development therefore when he becomes their lawmaker he will explore other opportunities and networks to create economic opportunities for the constituency as he is currently doing.

Across Ghana, a number of aspirants have declared their intention to battle it out for tickets to lead the party into the 2020 parliamentary election.