Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Dome-Kwabenya have informed Sarah Adwoa Safo, their Member of Parliament (MP), that they will not be supporting her for reelection as their Parliamentary Candidate.
They claim they are tired of her and desire a new party leader for the constituency in the general elections in 2024.
Theophilus Ansah Larbi, the NPP’s Dome-Kwabenya constituency secretary, stated in an interview that while they accept her apologies, they cannot take a chance on losing the seat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“If she has apologized unconditionally, who are we as human beings to say we are not accepting it? We have accepted her apologies, but what does she want us to do for her now that she has apologized?
Most likely, if she decides to run for the seat again, I will apologize on behalf of the constituency.
While admitting that no one can stop the MP from contesting, he believes the delegates have the final say.
According to him, the party has enough men and women to represent the constituency, adding that they are tired of hearing the constituency’s name being mentioned in the news for the wrong reasons.
“Okay, we accept your apology, but we think enough is enough. When you go to the marketplaces and ‘trotro’ [bus] stations, people say that if we don’t know and we bring Adwoa Safo back, they will vote against her,” he said.
In a video posted on Facebook on September 14, the MP apologised to the NPP for the controversies she caused during her extended absence from parliamentary duties.
She acknowledged her actions were unjustified and expressed regret, citing personal challenges.
She apologised to President Akufo-Addo, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, parliamentary leadership, the party hierarchy and her constituents.
“It was not my intention to disrespect you. There was a lot going on in my life and family. I’m using this medium to plead for your forgiveness in the name of God,” she said.
Adwoa Safo’s absence from parliament was one of the most discussed topics in the country in 2022 which left the house and party divided. The discussion came on the back of her leaving the country in November 2021.
In one of the instances in October 2022, the Majority Leader clashed with the Speaker of Parliament over a decision to subject Adwoa Safo’s fate to vote.
Alban Bagbin had ruled that the Privileges Committee report is not final.
The Privileges Committee recommended that the 40-year-old’s seat be declared vacant for failing to provide an explanation for her absence.
Delivering the much-anticipated ruling, the Speaker noted that the report of the Committee must be placed before the whole House for a decision to be made.
This did not go down well with the Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. The Majority Leader who doubles as the Suame MP said the ruling is unfortunate and inconsistent.
The general public was divided on her motive including her constituent who were unsure as to what her status in the area and its effect on development.
However, on November 11, 2022, Adwoa Safo officially resumed her parliamentary duties following her return from the US.
In July last year, she was sacked by President Akufo-Addo as Gender Minister.
