BY GRACE ZIGAH
A 22-year-old law student, Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels, popularly known as Okordie, has officially declared her intention to contest the Manhyia South Parliamentary seat in the 2028 general election on the ticket of the newly formed Base Movement Ghana, positioning herself as a youthful alternative determined to transform one of the Ashanti Region’s most prominent constituencies.
The announcement, made at a press conference in Kumasi on Monday, July 13, 2026, marks one of the earliest declarations ahead of the 2028 polls and reflects the increasing interest of young Ghanaians in seeking elective office.
f she secures her party’s nomination and eventually contests the parliamentary election, Michaels would rank among the youngest parliamentary candidates in the Fourth Republic.
The Manhyia South Constituency has traditionally been regarded as one of the strongholds of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), making her declaration a significant development in the evolving political landscape.
Addressing journalists, Michaels said her decision to enter politics was inspired by her personal experiences and her desire to champion the concerns of ordinary people, particularly the youth, who continue to face economic hardship and limited opportunities.
“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.
The aspiring legislator explained that her choice to contest on the ticket of Base Movement Ghana, rather than one of Ghana’s traditional political parties, was driven by her belief that the movement’s ideals align with her vision of accountable, people-centred governance.
According to her, the movement is committed to placing the interests of Ghanaians at the centre of national development while promoting transparency, accountability and equal opportunities for citizens.
“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 Manhyia South, Michaels identified several challenges confronting residents that she intends to tackle if elected to Parliament. These include youth unemployment, deteriorating road infrastructure, poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare funding and the digital divide affecting many communities.
She said her development agenda would focus on attracting private investment into the constituency, creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people and supporting women entrepreneurs through practical empowerment programmes aimed at improving household incomes and local economic growth.
The 22-year-old also pledged to foster closer collaboration with traditional authorities, religious leaders and community stakeholders, arguing that meaningful development can only be achieved through collective leadership and active community participation.
“I have seen no progress in Manhyia South. Therefore, as a 22-year-old woman, I declare my intention to contest for the position of Member of Parliament for Manhyia South on the ticket of the Base Ghana First Movement to bring significant development to the constituency,” she declared.
