Former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has declared that she will not seek re-election for her former seat.
In a series of explosive interviews across multiple media platforms, she has opened up about her political struggles, party tensions, and personal challenges, offering insight into her absence from Parliament and the reasons behind her decisions.
Speaking in an interview, Adwoa Safo addressed criticisms regarding her extended absence from Parliament, which sparked significant backlash from both her party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the general public. She explained that her decision to stay abroad was not out of negligence but due to an urgent family matter.
“My son was at the verge of death, and I needed to be there as a mother. I wasn’t there as some made it look like,” she stated, refuting claims that she had abandoned her parliamentary duties.
Her prolonged absence led to accusations of disloyalty, with some within the NPP blaming her for the party’s struggles in Parliament.
“I was labelled a traitor because my fellow NPP MPs claimed I voted for Bagbin,” she revealed, referencing the election of Alban Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament, a development that many in the NPP viewed as a betrayal.
Adding another surprising revelation, she boldly stated, “I did not vote for E-Levy, and I do not regret it.” Her stance on the controversial E-Levy, which the NPP government had championed, is particularly striking given her long-standing alignment with the party. According to her, her decision was based on consultations with her constituents, particularly church members, who strongly opposed the tax measure, fearing it would worsen economic hardships.
“I made that principled decision because I knew the E-Levy would not benefit Ghanaians but rather impose more burdens on them,” she explained.
Adwoa Safo further opened up about the internal treatment she endured within the NPP, revealing how she was stripped of her role as Deputy Majority Leader and moved to the backbench, which she saw as an attempt to humiliate her.
“Look, it got to a time, in Parliament, we have a certain rule and practice—it has become more like a custom. Someone who has served as a deputy leader before is usually seated right behind the leaders. You can take notice of where Haruna and Muntaka sit. But when I was removed, I was made to sit at the backbench like a newcomer in Parliament.”
She added that it was only through the intervention of the party’s General Secretary and Majority Whip that she was later moved forward.
Throughout the week, Adwoa Safo has granted a series of interviews, revealing shocking details about her treatment within the NPP and the challenges she faced. Her disclosures have sparked debates over the party’s internal handling of dissenting voices and raised questions about the impact of her absence on the party’s parliamentary challenges.
Adwoa Safo’s remarks signal a firm break from her previous political aspirations, making it clear that she has moved on from seeking another term in Parliament. Her revelations have left many pondering the future of her political career and the broader implications for the NPP as it navigates internal divisions ahead of the next elections.
