Koforidua youths defend Baafi, urge focus on development over political tensions

Concerned youth in Koforidua, within the New Juaben South Municipality, have called for calm among political leaders, urging them to prioritise development over emotionally charged disputes.

The appeal follows rising tensions between the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Michael Okyere Baafi.

In recent days, Baafi has been in the media over allegations that he made ethnocentric remarks against the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey. The claims suggest he indicated that, as a native of Krobo, the Minister should not interfere in matters concerning Koforidua.

However, the MP is also reported to have maintained that residents are more likely to turn to him, as their elected representative, to address local concerns.

The situation has been further escalated by controversy surrounding the reassignment of a previously allocated space at the recently rehabilitated Jackson’s Park. The space, originally allocated under the previous New Patriotic Party administration, has reportedly been reassigned to another individual alleged to be affiliated with a different political group.

According to the MP, the decision taken by the Municipal Assembly and led by the MCE, Ransford Owusu Boakye, with alleged backing from the Regional Minister has contributed to growing dissatisfaction among residents.

Addressing a press conference, convenor of the group, Israel Osei Asante, defended the MP, insisting that Baafi did not make any tribal remarks.

He argued that the MP was justified in urging the Regional Minister to avoid interference in local matters, stressing that there was no need to inflame emotions.

“Residents are more concerned about development than divisive rhetoric,” he stated, calling for

issue-based discussions that promote progress rather than political manoeuvring.

The group emphasised that young people in the municipality are primarily interested in job creation, empowerment opportunities, and improved access to education.

Asante also commended the MP’s leadership, highlighting initiatives such as the New Koforidua Project, which he said have contributed to visible development in the area.

The youth group further appealed to the Municipal Assembly to reverse recent decisions regarding the reallocation of shops at Jackson’s Park, urging authorities to respect due process and existing allocations.

They warned that failure to address these concerns could heighten tensions within the municipality.

Additionally, the group called on the MCE to desist from what they described as deliberate attempts to undermine the MP.

Concerns were also raised over an alleged delay in the release of the MP’s Common Fund. Asante indicated that if administrative procedures were bypassed, it would constitute a serious breach of governance standards and could stall key development projects.

The group has consequently issued a two-week ultimatum to the MCE and relevant authorities to respond to their concerns with transparency.

While reaffirming their commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement, the youth stressed that they will not remain silent in the face of actions that undermine fairness, accountability, and development in New Juaben South.



Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe on Ghana's past, present and the road ahead