A 22-year-old law student, Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels, popularly known as Okordie, has announced her intention to contest the Manhyia South parliamentary seat in the Ashanti Region in the 2028 general election on the ticket of the newly formed Base Movement Ghana.
Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s Ashanti Regional office in Kumasi, Ms. Michaels said her decision to enter the race was inspired by her personal experiences and the challenges confronting residents of the constituency.
According to her, Manhyia South continues to grapple with youth unemployment, inadequate support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), limited skills and vocational training opportunities, poor educational infrastructure and gaps in healthcare delivery.
She also cited poor road and drainage networks, sanitation challenges, security concerns, inadequate support for women and girls, limited sports and recreational facilities, digital exclusion and weak engagement between elected leaders and constituents as key issues requiring urgent attention.
“I understand the struggles of the people because I have lived through them. It is time for a new kind of leadership that listens, serves and delivers,” she stated.
Ms. Michaels attributed many of the constituency’s developmental challenges to what she described as the tendency of political leaders to prioritise party interests over the needs of the people.
She said her decision to join Base Movement Ghana was influenced by the party’s commitment to promoting accountability, empowering citizens and putting the interests of Ghanaians first.
“I proudly identify with the Base Movement Ghana because it is committed to putting Ghana first, empowering citizens, promoting accountability and creating opportunities for all,” she said.
Outlining her vision for the constituency, the aspiring parliamentary candidate said she would prioritise youth employment, entrepreneurship and skills development while creating more economic opportunities for women.
She added that improving education and healthcare services, promoting local businesses, attracting investment, strengthening transparency and accountability, and fostering collaboration with traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and the private sector would also form part of her agenda.
Ms. Michaels further pledged to run an issue-based campaign anchored on peace, respect and dignity, while calling on residents of Manhyia South to support what she described as a movement for positive change, regardless of their political affiliation or background.
“The time has come for a new generation of leadership that listens, serves and delivers. Together, we can build a stronger Manhyia South and a stronger Ghana,” she added.