The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South in the Eastern Region, Michael Okyere Baafi, has revealed that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo gave him the rare privilege of choosing where he wanted to serve in government after the 2016 elections.
Speaking in an interview on JoyPrime on Wednesday, Mr. Okyere Baafi said the former President’s gesture came shortly after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) assumed office.
“He gave me a blank check — this is the first time I’m saying this publicly. He told me to decide where I wanted to serve, and when I mentioned it, he gave me the opportunity,” he disclosed.
The former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry further revealed that he was the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) appointed by President Akufo-Addo following his 2016 victory.
“I think I was the first CEO appointed in Nana Akufo-Addo’s government. I received my appointment letter on January 25, even before many of the ministers had theirs,” he stated.
Mr. Okyere Baafi explained that the opportunity was a reflection of the close working relationship he had developed with the former President over the years.
“I have worked with him for a long time, just like many others. We believed in him — he’s been a father figure to us, especially to myself and Honourable Annoh Dompreh,” he recalled.
He expressed gratitude to the former President for the confidence reposed in him, describing the gesture as a mark of trust, loyalty, and appreciation for dedication.
Mr. Okyere Baafi was appointed Executive Secretary of the Ghana Free Zones Authority in 2017, becoming one of the earliest appointees of the Akufo-Addo administration. He was later elevated in 2021 to serve as Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem