Dr. Kwasi Nyame Baafi fires back at Sunyani East MP, MCE during GNMTA -ASHBA Zone congress

A brief moment of political tension disrupted the 32nd Annual Delegates Congress of the Ghana Nurse-Midwife Trainees Association (GNMTA) – ASHBA Zone, when Dr. Kwasi Nyame Baafi, lecturer at GIMPA and Technical Advisor to the former Vice President, firmly responded to comments made by the Sunyani East MP, Hon. Seid Mubarak, and Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Vincent Antwi Agyei—both known affiliates of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Held at the GRNMA Hotel in Asufufu, Sunyani, the congress was organised under the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation Through Strategic Leadership Development and Policy Advocacy for Nursing and Midwifery Excellence.”

What was intended as a non-partisan professional gathering turned political when Hon. Mubarak and Hon. Agyei claimed that the NDC does not make empty promises like the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The comments stirred unease among participants, prompting a swift and pointed response from Dr. Baafi, who chaired the event.

Dr. Baafi rebuked the attempt to politicise the platform, describing it as inappropriate. He went on to highlight achievements of the previous NPP administration, specifically referencing the Ministry of Local Government’s procurement of road construction equipment under the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP)—a resource now being used by MMDCEs, including Hon. Agyei.

He also tackled the sensitive issue of trainee nurse allowances, reminding the audience that the NDC government had scrapped the allowance in 2014, a decision that caused significant hardship for many health trainees. In contrast, he noted, the NPP government reinstated the allowance in 2017, delivering on a key campaign promise.

Dr. Baafi pointed out that nearly four months into the NDC's current term, the promised allowances are yet to be paid, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to its own pledges.

His rebuttal drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. He used the opportunity to encourage nurse and midwife trainees to prioritise leadership development and demand accountability from political leaders across the spectrum.

To close his remarks, Dr. Baafi made a generous cash donation to the Association, reinforcing his support for the growth and empowerment of future healthcare professionals.