Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels, popularly known as “Okordie,” has announced her intention to contest the Manhyia South parliamentary seat on the ticket of the newly established Base Movement Ghana.
She is a 22-year-old law student who has entered the political spotlight in the Ashanti Region, positioning herself as part of a new generation of leaders seeking to reshape Ghana’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 general election.
Addressing supporters and members of the media at the party’s Ashanti Regional office in Kumasi, the aspiring parliamentary candidate presented her bid as a grassroots-driven effort aimed at addressing long-standing development challenges in the constituency.
According to Ms Michaels, her decision to seek public office stems from years of firsthand experience with the difficulties confronting residents of Manhyia South.
“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 said.
As part of her campaign message, she outlined what she described as key issues affecting the constituency. These include youth unemployment, inadequate support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), limited access to vocational and skills training, challenges in the education sector and gaps in healthcare delivery.
She also pointed to poor road networks, drainage concerns, sanitation problems, security challenges, insufficient support systems for women and girls, limited recreational facilities, digital exclusion and weak engagement between elected officials and constituents.
The law student argued that many of these issues have persisted because political actors have often prioritised partisan interests over the needs of citizens.
Explaining her decision to join Base Movement Ghana, she said the party’s focus on accountability, citizen empowerment and national development aligns with her vision for public service.
“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 stated.
Ms Michaels stressed that political leadership should be measured by tangible outcomes rather than campaign rhetoric, calling for practical and innovative solutions to local development challenges.
She outlined a policy agenda centred on job creation, entrepreneurship and skills development, particularly for young people. Her priorities also include expanding economic opportunities for women, improving access to quality education and healthcare, promoting local enterprise and attracting investment into the constituency.
Additionally, she pledged to champion transparency and accountability while working closely with traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector to advance development initiatives.
The aspiring candidate further promised to conduct an issue-based campaign that promotes peaceful political engagement and respectful dialogue.
Appealing for broad-based support, she urged residents of Manhyia South, regardless of political affiliation, age or social background, to rally behind what she described as a movement for meaningful change.
Ms Michaels expressed confidence that with effective leadership and collective effort, Manhyia South can become a constituency where young people have greater opportunities, women are economically empowered, businesses thrive, and communities enjoy improved living conditions.
