The incident dates back to November 2021 when Parliament was considering the 2022 Budget Statement and Fiscal Policy. At the time, observers noticed that Adwoa Safo’s seat was occupied by a woman many believed was not her.

The development generated widespread debate across social and traditional media, particularly because Ghana had a hung Parliament at the time, where the absence of a single Member of Parliament could have affected the outcome of the vote.

In an interview in March 2025, Adwoa Safo confirmed that she was indeed the one present in Parliament, explaining that she had just returned from the United States and was still recovering from childbirth.

However, the Tamale South MP says he may eventually reveal what truly happened.

“The lady MP knows whom she spoke to; I probably wasn’t aware. But as Minority Leader, I needed to protect her seat. That was why I never wanted people to know who that person was,” he stated in an interview on Accra-based TV3.

Mr. Iddrisu made the remarks while responding to recent developments in Parliament involving Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, who recently withdrew and apologised for claims he made about recruitment into the security services after they were found to be unsubstantiated.

He urged the Effutu MP to exercise caution when making public statements, stressing that such remarks must always be backed by facts.

“The Minority Leader needs to choose his battles. If you read authorities in parliamentary jurisprudence, the truth must always rest with the Minority. So make sure when you’re speaking as Minority Leader, you’re certain that you cannot be contradicted,” he said.

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His assurance comes amid reports of strained relations between the two following their contest in the party’s parliamentary primaries.

Mr Oquaye Jnr, who lost the 2024 parliamentary election to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Elikplim Akurugu, said it was time to put the past behind them and focus on rebuilding unity within the party.

Speaking at a meeting attended by Dr Bawumia, Adwoa Safo and party supporters, he stressed that unity in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency would be crucial to the NPP’s electoral fortunes in 2028.

“Unity is key. I can assure you that in the coming months, my sister Adwoa Safo and I will visit you together in unity. Our joint visit will serve as clear proof of the unity and prosperity we believe will come under your leadership,” he said.

“United we stand, divided we fall. We will begin the unity Dr Bawumia has been preaching right here in Dome-Kwabenya,” he added.

Mr Oquaye Jnr further urged party faithful to intensify their efforts ahead of the next general elections.

“We need to put in extra effort to ensure Dr Bawumia becomes President of Ghana. We are one family, and we have full confidence in him. We love him as our brother,” he stated.

According to Mr Barker-Vormawor, Adwoa Safo’s remarks portray Mr Agyapong as a principled leader who would not appoint family members to government positions.

“I feel like Adwoa Safo’s comments are the best campaign message for Kennedy Agyapong. She is saying that Kennedy is so principled that he won’t appoint family into government. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” he said.

His comments follow public remarks by Adwoa Safo in which she stated that her political future would be at risk if Mr Agyapong became President, as she would not receive any appointment under his administration.

The former MP has since declared her support for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as central to her political future as the NPP prepares for a leadership transition.

I feel like Adwoa Sarfo’s comments are the best campaign message for Kennedy Agyapong.

She is saying that Kennedy is so principled that he won’t appoint family into Government. That’s a good thing non?

— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) December 15, 2025

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According to her, Dr Bawumia remains the strongest candidate to lead the NPP and should not be made a scapegoat for the party’s economic challenges.

Addressing some party delegates, Ms Adwoa Safo argued that Dr Bawumia did not wield ultimate authority over economic decision-making and therefore cannot be held solely accountable for the country’s economic difficulties.

She pointed to the significant role played by other senior government officials, particularly former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, in shaping and implementing economic policy.

“Was Dr Bawumia the finance minister? Were we not in government when some MPs said that because of the way our economy was being mismanaged we should change the finance minister? Didn’t he damage everything before he was changed? So how can we blame this on Bawumia?” she questioned.

Ms Adwoa Safo further stressed that Dr Bawumia lacked the power to override decisions taken at the highest levels of government.

“He was only the driver’s mate and could not overrule the driver, even if the driver was not performing well,” she said.

Her remarks come amid criticism from some flagbearer aspirants in the ongoing NPP presidential primaries, who have blamed Dr Bawumia for the party’s economic record while in office.

The NPP is scheduled to elect its presidential candidate on January 31, 2026, ahead of the next general elections.

Addressing party delegates and supporters, Ms Adwoa Safo called for unity, introspection, and strategic thinking within the party. “It is time for Bawumia,” she said.

She emphasised that political ambition is natural and legitimate for all party members.

“I am a politician, and Honourable Kennedy Agyapong is also a politician. In the same way that Honourable Ken has his own opinions and ambitions, I also have my opinions, and I am pursuing my political career,” she stated.

Acknowledging the NPP as a broad church with delegates holding close family ties within its grassroots structures, she stressed that leadership decisions should be guided by the long-term interests of the party rather than personal or emotional considerations.

Ms Adwoa Safo dismissed claims that her support for Dr Bawumia stems from personal hostility toward Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong.

“I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong,” she said. “We have two beautiful children together, one male and one female; therefore, I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong. This is not a matter of family and friends in the NPP party.”

Reflecting on the party’s recent electoral defeat, Ms Adwoa Safo urged the NPP to learn from past mistakes. “We must learn lessons from our loss, which has rendered us in opposition,” she said, adding that one of the key factors behind the defeat was the perception that family and friends were prioritised while in government.

“While in government, we made that mistake, and it has cost us,” she observed.

The former minister highlighted her long record of service to the party and the nation, questioning whether her experience should be overlooked.

“I started contesting as a Member of Parliament in 2007, and I have been a member of the party from that period up until now,” she said. “I have served as a Member of Parliament for twelve years; I have been a Deputy Majority Leader, a Minister for Procurement, and a Minister for Gender. The question is: have I not served?”

While acknowledging Mr Agyapong’s significant contributions to the party, Ms Adwoa Safo raised concerns about her own political prospects should he emerge as party leader and eventually become President.

“I have never said he is going to win this contest,” she explained. “But let us assume he wins and becomes President, and he comes across my CV. Looking at the work I have done and how I have served this nation and my party, for someone I have two children with to consider appointing me as a minister would seem impossible; hell will break loose in this country. And the Kennedy Agyapong I know, with whom I have two children, would never do it. Therefore, my political career and future are at stake. My future lies with Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia,” she concluded.

In a strongly worded statement, the former MP described the claims as false, misleading, and malicious, insisting that she remains loyal to Dr. Bawumia and his leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“I wish to categorically and unequivocally deny this claim as false, misleading, and maliciously fabricated to create disaffection and confusion within the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and among my supporters,” she said.

According to Adwoa Safo, she has never made any statement—public or private—indicating any withdrawal of support for Dr. Bawumia. She accused the publication of being part of a deliberate attempt to sow division within the NPP and undermine the unity the party is working to rebuild following the 2024 general elections.

“Let me state for the avoidance of doubt that I remain firmly loyal to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and fully committed to his vision for our party and for Ghana,” she declared.

She described Dr. Bawumia as a leader who has shown “exceptional humility, competence, and resilience even in the face of adversity,” adding that he remains the best person to lead the NPP into the 2028 elections.

The former Deputy Majority Leader also cautioned the media against spreading unverified information that could damage reputations and destabilize political unity.

“Responsible journalism demands fairness, accuracy, and truth—principles that must not be compromised for sensational headlines,” she said.

Adwoa Safo called on The Insight Newspaper to retract the publication and issue an unqualified apology, stressing that the unity and progress of the NPP remain her top priority.

She reaffirmed her “unflinching support” for Dr. Bawumia and urged party members to rally behind his leadership as the NPP works to rebuild public trust and prepare for a comeback in 2028.

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Read the full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT

DISCLAIMER ON FALSE PUBLICATION BY THE INSIGHT NEWSPAPER

My attention has been drawn to a recent publication by The Insight Newspaper alleging that I, Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, Former Member of Parliament for the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, have switched allegiance from Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to Hon. Kennedy Agyapong.

I wish to categorically and unequivocally deny this claim as false, misleading, and maliciously fabricated to create disaffection and confusion within the rank and file of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and among my supporters.

At no point in time have I made any statement, whether on record, in private conversation, or on any public platform, suggesting that I have withdrawn my support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the current leader of our great party. Such publications are not only mischievous but also a deliberate attempt to sow division and undermine the unity we continue to build after the 2024 general elections.

Let me state for the avoidance of doubt that I remain firmly loyal to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and fully committed to his vision for our party and for Ghana. Dr. Bawumia has demonstrated exceptional leadership, humility, competence, and resilience even in the face of adversity. I strongly believe that he remains the best person to lead the New Patriotic Party into the 2028 elections and ultimately return the party to power.

As a party, we must not lose sight of the fact that leadership transitions often come with challenges, but assigning blame to one individual for our 2024 electoral outcome is neither fair nor productive. Dr. Bawumia’s dedication to the NPP and to the service of Ghana cannot be questioned, and I firmly believe that every dedicated servant deserves a second chance to serve and lead.

I therefore urge members of the media, particularly The Insight Newspaper, to desist from publishing unverified and false stories that seek to distort facts and damage reputations. Responsible journalism demands fairness, accuracy, and truth, principles that must not be compromised for sensational headlines.

I call on The Insight Newspaper to immediately retract the said publication and issue an unqualified apology to set the record straight.

The unity and progress of the NPP remain paramount, and I continue to pledge my unflinching support to Dr. Bawumia and to every effort aimed at consolidating the party’s base, rebuilding public trust, and preparing adequately for victory in 2028.

Signed:
Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo
Former Member of Parliament
Dome-Kwabenya Constituency

Speaking during the courtesy visit by the family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo to his office on Monday, October 13, Mr Bagbin confirmed that indeed an NPP MP had crossed party lines to support his bid for Speaker, but clarified that it was not Adwoa Safo.

“I call her my daughter because when I came to Parliament, she was a small girl. So, I began calling her my daughter before she even joined politics and entered Parliament. But we belong to different political traditions,” the Speaker said.

He explained that his personal bond with Adwoa Safo might have caused the widespread assumption that she was the one who broke ranks to vote for him.

“Because she is my daughter and we love each other, when I was contesting to be Speaker, they thought she voted for me,” he clarified.

Mr. Bagbin’s remarks bring closure to a rumour that has trailed Adwoa Safo’s political career for years and stirred tension within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after the razor-thin Speaker election in January 2021.

Source: Adomonline

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Apostle Safo passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the age of 77. The family also used the visit to brief the Speaker on arrangements for his 40-day memorial observance.

Welcoming the delegation at Parliament House, Mr. Bagbin expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the entire Kristo Asafo fraternity.

He lauded the late Apostle for his extraordinary contributions to Ghana’s spiritual growth, industrial innovation, and scientific development.

The Speaker urged the family to remain united and continue to uphold Apostle Safo’s legacy of peace, creativity, and visionary leadership, which continues to inspire many across the country.

Apostle Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as the “Star of Africa,” was a renowned preacher, inventor, scientist, agriculturalist, industrialist, and philanthropist.

He founded the Kristo Asafo Mission, the Great KOSA network of companies and served as Chairman of the Kantanka Group of Companies, including Kantanka Automobile, a Ghana-based automotive company known for producing vehicles such as the Kantanka Omama SUV and Onantefo pickup, tailored for African markets.

Source: Ohene Amponsah

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Mr. Kodua had suggested that the NPP’s primary concern is the alleged drug trafficking scandal, rather than addressing internal party matters involving former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Adwoa Safo.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story, Dr. Asah-Asante acknowledged the seriousness of the drug trafficking issue but stressed that internal party issues, such as the controversy surrounding Adwoa Safo, are equally important to the public interest.

“I am not happy with the statement from the NPP General Secretary who said that they were more interested in the alleged cocaine story. That is important — there’s no doubt about that — but this is also equally important,” Dr. Asah-Asante said.

He argued that the public deserves transparency and full disclosure on all matters of national interest, especially when they involve public office holders.

Dr. Asah-Asante called on the NPP to give adequate attention to both the alleged drug trafficking scandal and the internal disciplinary matters involving Adwoa Safo. He emphasized that the public has a right to understand the actions of political leaders and expects the party to handle both issues with transparency.

“We want to see the logical conclusion of the story by the party. The individual who is alleging must also be able to provide the necessary information for us to get to the bottom of this matter,” he added.

His comments come after Mr. Kodua revealed that the NPP had postponed its meeting with Adwoa Safo, originally scheduled for Monday, due to the ongoing drug trafficking scandal. The General Secretary stated that the party is now focusing on questioning the government over the matter, rather than engaging in internal party politics involving Safo.

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Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Monday, April 7, the party’s Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, said due process was followed in communicating the decision to Adwoa Safo.

“I can confirm that a letter was delivered to her regarding the postponement. I personally received her at the party headquarters today because we were holding a separate meeting on electoral matters related to the 2024 general elections. While there, I heard some noise outside and went to find out what was happening. It turned out she had come in response to the earlier invitation,” he explained.

Mr Mohammed said he met with Adwoa Safo on behalf of the General Secretary and reminded her of the letter. “Her aide had the letter. Her lawyer also received it and even confirmed it to the person who delivered it,” he noted.

Despite this, Adwoa Safo reportedly claimed she had not seen the letter, but the party maintains that both her aide and lawyer acknowledged receipt. “We even have electronic confirmation from the lawyer,” Mr Mohammed added.

He further explained that the party’s Disciplinary Committee, which is a standing committee of the National Council, independently issues such notices—not the General Secretary.

“It is not going to be a debate between us and Adwoa Safo because she is a senior member of the party, a former Member of Parliament, a former Minister.

“The key point is that the meeting was postponed, and she will be informed through the committee’s secretary, Patrick Boamah, when a new date is set,” he stated.

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Accompanied by a charged crowd singing solidarity songs, Adwoa Safo arrived at the party premises ahead of the meeting initially scheduled for 11:00 am on Monday, April 7.

However, upon arrival, she discovered that there was no committee sitting—only a party official was present to meet her.

In an interview with the media, an infuriated Adwoa Safo questioned why the party leadership failed to communicate the changes to her.

She said she was served the summons letter on Sunday, April 6, 2025, but honoured the invitation as a law-abiding citizen.

“There was no committee sitting today. I had an engagement with a national party officer, but there was no hearing. I’m left wondering why I was served a summons on a Sunday for a meeting that didn’t take place.

“If there was a change of plans, why wasn’t I personally informed? Why wasn’t I contacted by phone? Some of you have my number directly,” she fumed.

She also criticised the party leadership for failing to act seriously and professionally.

“As a party, we need to take these matters more seriously. I came here ready for the committee meeting, but now I find myself in a situation where there’s no hearing, no committee, and no explanation. This could have been handled much more effectively,” she lamented.

As a lawyer, she pointed out that when someone is referred to a disciplinary committee, the presumption is that they have committed a wrongdoing and are facing disciplinary action.

“That is the purpose of the disciplinary committee. So why ridicule me in public and then tell me that the committee isn’t even sitting?

“The message being sent to the public is that I have done something wrong, something untoward, and that I have come here to be disciplined,” she stated.

The former Gender Minister reaffirmed her commitment to the party and confirmed her availability for any future disciplinary hearings, should she be called upon.

“I will be available to appear before the party whenever I’m called upon. I’ve come here, but there is no one here, which suggests the case is either baseless or there is no finding on it.

“I thought this matter could have been handled better, which is why I came here today to see what was happening—only to find nothing has been done. Is this how I’m being treated? It’s disheartening,” she concluded.

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In a show of solidarity, she was accompanied by a large group of supporters to the NPP headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra on Monday, April 7. The supporters arrived at the party headquarters even before Adwoa Safo.

Despite initial reports suggesting the NPP leadership had rescheduled the sitting, Adwoa Safo confirmed that she was unaware of any such changes.

The meeting, scheduled for 11:00 am, comes after a series of media interviews in which Adwoa Safo discussed internal party matters, despite a clear directive instructing members to refrain from doing so.

NPP leadership views her public comments as harmful to the party’s efforts to rebuild and unify, particularly following the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Her actions are seen as further exacerbating internal tensions and hindering reconciliation efforts.

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The hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and will take place at the NPP Headquarters Conference Room in Asylum Down, Accra.

The former MP has been advised to present any relevant documentary evidence or witnesses in relation to the case under review.

According to a statement issued on March 20 by NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, Adwoa Safo was referred to the Committee for allegedly violating party directives.

This action follows a series of media interviews in which she discussed internal party matters, despite a clear directive instructing members to refrain from doing so.

Party leadership considers her public comments as detrimental to the NPP’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and unify, especially in the wake of the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections. Her actions, they believe, have further deepened internal tensions and hampered reconciliation efforts.

The outcome of today’s hearing could have significant implications for Adwoa Safo’s standing within the party, as well as for broader disciplinary enforcement in the NPP moving forward.

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The directive in question cautioned party members against making public statements that could create disaffection for the party.

Adwoa Safo, in series of interviews, is believed to have made comments that contravened this order.

According to the official invitation, the hearing will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Conference Room of the NPP Headquarters at Asylum Down, Accra.

The former MP has been advised to present any documentary evidence or witnesses relevant to the case and is entitled to legal representation during the proceedings.

The Party says the invitation forms part of its commitment to transparency, fairness, and due process.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, March 22, Cudjoe stressed the need to allow Adwoa Safo to express her views, particularly after years of being misrepresented in the media.

“I think the lady must be heard, especially because she has been vilified in the media. There are a lot of things that have been said about her, some of which even surprised me. But now that she is speaking, I think we need to let her speak,” he stated.

Cudjoe also questioned the NPP’s directive barring members from discussing the party’s 2024 electoral defeat, arguing that such conversations are inevitable.

“If the NPP is a separate organization, maybe they should let us know. The directive against discussing how they lost power applies to everyone anyway because everyone knows why the NPP lost power. I am even surprised by their stance,” he remarked.

He further highlighted Adwoa Safo’s claim that party leadership ignored critical warnings, particularly regarding alleged financial mismanagement in the School Feeding Programme.

“One of the cardinal points Adwoa mentioned, which I thought was unfairly omitted from reports, was that the leadership did not listen. When she suggested that the School Feeding Programme funds were misappropriated by some party members and that she had an audit report to present, the President did not pay attention,” he added.

His comments come in response to Adwoa Safo’s allegations of widespread corruption within the programme, which provides meals to public school students.

These revelations have led to her referral to the NPP’s National Disciplinary Committee for breaching party rules on internal discussions.

Despite the party’s stance, Cudjoe urged the former Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister to submit her findings on corruption within the programme to the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative for proper investigation and accountability.

He emphasized that full disclosure of such issues is crucial for governance reforms and transparency in Ghana.

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In efforts to address the situation, Mr. Owusu-Agyemang stressed that Adwoa Safo must stop all public attacks on party leaders.

“As a party, we would apply the necessary regulations and then see what we can do, but for the time being, we are dismayed by her actions, especially considering her past senior roles in government and our party,” he added.

“So Adwoa is being asked to stop all the utterances, all the interviews and whatever she is doing. It is a human institution, she’s gone wrong and we are telling her to cease whatever she is doing with these utterances.”

Expressing hope for a resolution, he said, “We will see how we will do going forward, and I hope she will adhere to what we have said, the General Secretary has said in his release.”

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Following this, the NPP leadership referred her to the National Disciplinary Committee, stating that her comments violated the party’s directive against public statements that could fuel disaffection.

However, OPK has urged the leadership to be more sensitive in handling the former MP’s concerns, stressing that many party bigwigs have spoken freely without consequences.

He further called on the leadership to engage Adwoa Safo rather than resorting to punitive measures.

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He further explained, “So it’s not an original letter seeing that she’s in your studio and therefore somebody is directing that she shouldn’t be there or talk to you about the subject matter that she came to discuss.”

The NPP directive had urged all party members to refrain from discussing internal matters that could create division and unrest within the party in the media.

Despite this directive, Adwoa Safo proceeded with an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, where she openly criticised the party’s election review committee, calling it “bogus.”

Following this, the NPP leadership issued a press statement referring her to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action, stating that her comments violated an earlier directive prohibiting members from making public statements that could fuel disaffection within the party.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, lawyer Aidoo slammed Adwoa Safo’s claims, stating that any audit reports against Madam Quashigah, should have been made public during her lifetime.

“If you had the audit report, you were supposed to bring it to the public, not wait until she’s no longer here to defend herself,” he said.

He further stated that the late Gertrude Quashigah made significant contributions to the School Feeding Programme, ensuring better nutrition for children.

“This woman did a lot for this country, especially for the School Feeding Programme. She had a good heart for the children,” he added.

Meanwhile, the family has called on Adwoa Safo to immediately retract her comments and offer an unqualified apology.

The lawyer has therefore warned that if Adwoa Safo fails to apologize, the family will pursue other legal avenues.

“The law will still take its course if she does not apologise,” he stated.

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On the back of this, the NPP Deputy General Secretary stated that the committee had not yet released any report on the party’s electoral defeat.

“The committee has not even brought out any report. Today, they have met with the former President John Agyekum Kufuor. They have not even started writing any reports.

“These ought to stop and allow things to work. We are not asking anybody not to speak; we have given everybody the opportunity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sarah Adwoa Safo has officially been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of the NPP for further action following her recent media engagements on party matters.

In a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party explained that her recent comments, particularly on JoyNews’ The Pulse, violated directives instructing members to refrain from discussing internal matters that could create disaffection and unrest.

The party viewed her remarks as undermining unity and hindering efforts to rebuild after the 2024 election loss.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse programme, she emphasised that freedom of speech is a constitutional right for all Ghanaians.

She argued that everyone should be allowed to speak freely, as it is their constitutional right. Her comment was in response to a statement issued by the NPP General Secretary, directing party supporters not to engage the media on internal party matters being addressed by the party.

“We all have the right to express ourselves, and that includes me,” she said. “The General Secretary began speaking publicly after we lost the election, going around explaining the situation. He even went as far as telling people not to blame him for the loss.”

Referring to the General Secretary’s comments on radio, where he publicly criticised former President Akufo-Addo, claiming that the president wasn’t listening to the party’s advice during cabinet meetings, she questioned his authority to make such statements.

“And now, when it’s my turn to speak, a statement is being issued. What locus does he have to do that?” she asked. “He was on the radio himself, so if he wants to write a letter to me, he should do so privately. This statement is too vague, and I don’t think it’s something I need to respond to.”

She added, “Nobody brought me into the party, and the party does not belong to any individual. We are all here to build the party, so nobody can force me out or silence me.”

Adwoa Safo also pointed out the growing dissatisfaction within the party’s base.

“He [General Secretary] should go on social media and see how party members are criticising him. He has an election coming up, and he shouldn’t allow himself to be manipulated or used for other people’s agendas. If your base is bitter and feels unheard, they will want someone to speak for them.”

The former MP further addressed the character assassination she has faced within her party. She explained that she had been unfairly defamed and felt the need to clarify issues.

“There has been a character assassination against me. I have been defamed by my own party,” she said. “I owe it to myself to clarify things and set the record straight. Whatever they have painted me as to bring me down is not the truth. I will make sure the truth is known.”

Adwoa Safo reiterated that every individual has the right to speak freely without fear of being silenced.

“No one should be silenced for voicing their opinion, especially when it’s a constitutional right,” she added.

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Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Thursday, March 20, She stated that she would not consider running for the seat again unless convinced by her father.

Reflecting on her time as the MP for the constituency, she admitted the difficulties she encountered had left her disillusioned with the idea of returning to the position.

“Considering what I have been through, considering how I have been treated in the constituency despite my devotions, despite my sacrifices, despite my hard work, how I have been treated, I don’t think so, I won’t. It will take my father to change my mind, I have done 12 years and I left a good legacy in the constituency, I will not contest Dome Kwabenya,” she said.

The NPP, represented by Mike Oquaye Jr. lost the traditional NPP seat to the NDC in the last election in 2024.

However, while she ruled out the prospect of rejoining the race for Dome Kwabenya, the former MP did not shy away from sharing her future aspirations.

She revealed her ambition to achieve higher political leadership, stating her goal to either become the first female president of Ghana or serve as Speaker of Parliament.

“I am moving forward, I am looking at other bigger things,” she said.

“Like the presidency”? The Host, Elton John Brobbey asked. She responded, “Yes one day, not now, I am looking at speakership, yes. I am looking at higher challenges and opportunities” she emphasised.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, March 20, she shared that she became a victim of intense criticism and false narratives, which impacted her reputation.

She explained that at a critical point in her career, she suffered the tragic loss of her child, while her elderly son was also seriously ill in the United States.

In light of these personal challenges, she decided to travel abroad to care for her family. She clarified that she informed the necessary authorities and individuals about her situation before leaving the country, believing she was following the appropriate protocols.

However, despite her communication, she said her absence was misconstrued and portrayed as a violation of parliamentary procedures.

The backlash, according to her, resulted in her being subjected to character assassination, which she described as unfair and damaging.

“There is character assassination, and there is a need to set the record straight…. reputation is anything anybody has got, things that were said about me have stuck in the minds of Ghanaians. I have been branded the way I am not supposed to be branded and I owe it to myself, to clear it out, to let Ghanaians know the side of my story,” she said.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse show on Thursday, March 20, she shared her reasons for opposing the levy, emphasising how it failed to serve its intended purpose and ultimately burdened ordinary Ghanaians.

“I didn’t vote for the e-levy, and I have no regrets about my decision,” she explained. “I refrained from supporting it because I believed it wouldn’t benefit the people of Ghana. Instead, it would take away from their already limited resources, especially the most vulnerable members of society.”

“Ghanaians voted against us partly because of the E-levy,” she said.

She also highlighted how the e-levy negatively impacted those in low-paying jobs, particularly people who relied on mobile money [MoMo] to send funds to their families in rural areas.

“Individuals who were most affected were those working in low-paying jobs, who relied on sending money back to their families in the villages. These individuals were already struggling, and the e-levy took away the little they had. It was a tax on their hard-earned money, further deepening their difficulties,” she added.

Adwoa Safo also pointed out the contradiction between the government’s promises and the reality.

“We were told that by introducing the e-levy, Ghana could avoid going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, in the end, we still ended up seeking IMF support. Despite implementing this tax, the government was unable to avoid the very financial assistance it promised we could manage without.”

Referring to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s 2024 election manifesto, in which he promised to remove the e-levy if elected, Adwoa Safo expressed a sense of vindication.

“I feel vindicated,” she said. “If the e-levy was truly a good tax, why did we still end up at the IMF? How can we justify taxing those who are already struggling, especially when it didn’t even prevent us from seeking IMF support?”.

Adwoa Safo concluded by reiterating that the e-levy failed to achieve its intended objectives and, instead, placed an additional burden on the very people it was meant to help.

“It just didn’t make sense,” she said. “The e-levy hurt ordinary Ghanaians, and in the end, it didn’t achieve what it promised.”

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According to her, the committee was deliberately formed to push a specific agenda rather than conduct an impartial fact-finding mission.

“It is a very bogus committee. A committee that is put together just to find certain facts and push a particular candidate away from the candidacy so that we can bring our own you call that a credible fact-finding committee?” she questioned.

Adwoa Safo particularly took issue with the choice of Prof Mike Oquaye as the committee’s chair, citing a conflict of interest. She challenged him to explain why his son, Mike Oquaye Junior lost the Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat before passing judgment on the party’s defeat.

“If Prof Mike Oquaye thinks he has integrity and credibility, I want to see the first page of his fact-finding report explaining why his son Mike Oquaye Junior lost the Dome-Kwabenya seat. If he does that with transparency, without bias or prejudice, then I will accept any findings he presents against Dr Bawumia. Otherwise, that report will not hold in this party,” she said.

She argued that the party should have chosen a more neutral and experienced figure to lead the committee.

“His son has lost, and you think he is the best person to lead a fact-finding committee that includes that very constituency? Why not choose an independent person? Couldn’t we find anyone else in the party to chair it?” she asked.

The former MP also rejected any attempt to blame the party’s defeat solely on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, suggesting that the process was being manipulated to discredit him.

“We know what we know, and we have heard what we’ve heard. He shouldn’t come and tell us that we should blame everything on Bawumia because Ghanaians don’t want him and that we won’t market him again,” she stated.

She further pointed out that a separate election review report from the Ashanti Region did not blame Bawumia for the party’s loss, arguing that a more experienced individual like Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu should have been tasked with leading the investigation.

“The Ashanti report does not blame Bawumia for the party’s defeat, and that is a credible report. Why couldn’t the same person have done this work for the party? Who has more parliamentary and electoral experience than Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu?” she questioned.

Adwoa Safo warned that if the committee’s findings were politically motivated, it would undermine the NPP’s chances of rebuilding and recapturing power.

“If this report is manipulated, it means we are not serious about rebuilding, regrouping, or recapturing power,” she said.

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The party’s decision stems from Adwoa Safo’s recent interview, where she discussed internal party matters publicly, despite a directive for members to refrain from such actions.

A statement signed by General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua highlighted that Adwoa Safo was expected to set a positive example for others.

However, her comments have been viewed as undermining the party’s efforts to rebuild and move forward after the emotional distress and disappointment members experienced following the party’s defeat in the last election.

The NPP reiterated the importance of unity and calm as it focuses on its recovery and future success.

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Read the full statement:

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Okay FM, the former Dome-Kwabenya MP stated that Akufo-Addo ordered the audit immediately after her appointment, even before funds were allocated to the ministry.

However, she claimed that after significant irregularities were uncovered, she faced resistance, marking the beginning of her challenges in office.

According to Adwoa Safo, a former coordinator of the programme refused to cooperate with the audit process despite multiple invitations.

“I put together a solid audit team who went to the regions. I invited the coordinator several times, but she refused to show up. When I called her, she told me she wasn’t happy with me. She even said if she had any concerns, she would take them to the powers that be and refused to provide essential documents,” she said.

She further alleged that the same coordinator later proposed a scheme to add ghost schools to the programme for personal gain, which she refused.

Despite the challenges, the audit was completed, and a report was submitted to Cabinet for onward presentation to the President. However, Adwoa Safo claimed the report was shelved after public criticism.

The former Gender Minister has disclosed that her life was threatened with the safety of her children in jeopardy during the 2012 election.

She revealed this in an interview on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen, stressing the threats occurred on multiple occasions and she had to take a brave decision.

This, she explained, was the reason she had to send her two children abroad for their well-being and safety.

“I sent my children abroad during the 2012 election because my life was being threatened including that of my children.

“Someone went into my children’s school on two occasions to impersonate my driver in order to pick them. But fortunately, the school called me to verify and I couldn’t watch it happen a third time,” she stated.

Adwoa Safo on life threats

Although she did not mention which people were involved, she acknowledged that it could have been from any front, considering that herself and the children’s father are all politically exposed persons.

She made the revelation while recounting the sacrifices she has made for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), highlighting a court case over a fraud detected in the parliamentary results in 2012.

“So I have sacrificed a lot for the NPP to deliberately hurt them but once things don’t go well and you speak up, you are tagged as bad,” she said.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Adwoa Safo revealed that the NPP stalwart, whom she did not name, encouraged her to stay on despite public criticism, assuring her that the appointing authority and all relevant stakeholders were aware of her situation.

“The state wasn’t suffering because all the authorities that needed to know what was happening were aware. A leading member of the NPP also advised me not to resign because of the numerous speculations surrounding my absence,” she stated.

She dismissed claims that she was deliberately avoiding duty, citing the fact that Cecilia Dapaah acted as caretaker minister during her absence.

“Cecilia Dapaah was caretaker for a year, so if anybody thinks I was pretending, why would they have tolerated me for that long? I came to Ghana whenever necessary, but people didn’t know and were fabricating lies. I was just wondering who was paying people to do that,” she said.

Former President Nana Akufo-Addo revoked Adwoa Safo’s appointment on July 28, 2022, after she had been outside the country for nearly a year.

Her prolonged absence also sparked calls for her Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat to be declared vacant.

She further clarified that during her absence, she did not receive any salary or allowance since there was a caretaker minister in place.

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According to her, the party failed to address the pressing concerns of Ghanaians, which ultimately led to its defeat.

“Governance and elections are like studying for an exam. If governance is good, the results will be positive and vice versa. If we had been careful, we wouldn’t have experienced what happened to us,” she said.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Adwoa Safo noted that at some point, the NPP disregarded the concerns of the people, making it evident to politically analytical minds that victory was unlikely.

“In politics, when you fail to listen to the people, the consequences are clear. If you assess the situation critically, you will know it would have taken a miracle for us to win the election,” she added.

She, however, defended the party’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, insisting that he should not be blamed for the electoral defeat.

“Because he wasn’t the President then, though part of the government, there was little he could do. When he raised issues, not everything was acted upon,” she explained.

The former Gender Minister also expressed disappointment over the state of road infrastructure in the Ashanti Region, which is considered the party’s stronghold.

“I was disappointed with the nature of roads during the campaign. At a point, the bus couldn’t ply the roads, so we had to use Land Cruisers—yet we call it our stronghold. We don’t need a soothsayer to tell us to develop the Ashanti Region, which is our base,” she stated.

Despite these challenges, Adwoa Safo expressed confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership, describing him as the right choice for the party moving forward.

Her comments come at a time when the NPP is still awaiting the findings of the Prof. Mike Oquaye-led committee investigating the causes of the electoral defeat.

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According to her, this was the price she had to pay due to the controversies surrounding her absence.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, she stated that an impression was created that she had not been fair to the party.

“That’s what I think the party misunderstood me on and decided to punish me, and that cost me my primaries,” she said.

Adwoa Safo bemoaned that all her years of dedicated service should have counted for something, especially after her public apology. However, she noted that the damage had already been done, creating disaffection for her.

She further claimed that the candidate elected by the party was not the preferred choice of many, which led to the NPP losing the Dome-Kwabenya seat in the 2024 general election.

“That is why I stated earlier that we have fewer female lawmakers in Parliament,” she remarked, suggesting that her treatment might be part of a broader issue affecting women in politics.

Miss Safo, a three-term MP who was confident about her re-election, lost her seat in the primaries held on January 27, 2024, to her main contender, former Chief Executive of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Michael Oquaye Jr.

The former Gender Minister secured 326 votes, while Mr. Oquaye won by a landslide with 1,104 votes.

An underdog in the race, Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady, obtained 186 votes.

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Former Deputy Majority Leader, Adwoa Safo, has expressed pain over how she was treated after losing her position in a parliamentary reshuffle.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, she disclosed that she was thrown to the backbench like a first-time MP, contrary to the statutes of the House.

According to her, former parliamentary leaders are expected to be offered seats directly behind the new leadership, but her situation was different.

She bemoaned that she could not comprehend the treatment, given that former leaders had received fair treatment and respect, and wondered whether it was because she was a woman.

“There is a rule and practice which has almost become a custom. Look at where Muntaka and Haruna are sitting. When I was removed, I was thrown to the backbench like a first-time MP.

“Everybody denied involvement in the action. The Majority Whip is responsible for seating arrangements, so how did he not know that I was not properly allocated a seat?” she questioned.

Adwoa Safo noted that it took the intervention of the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, and Deputy Majority Leader, Habib Iddrisu, for her seating position to be changed.

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Adwoa Safo explained that Ahenkorah’s controversial decision to snatch and chew some of the ballot papers helped prevent a major embarrassment for the NPP.

“Why do you think Carlos went to snatch the papers and destroy them? He knew that if the number of ‘no’ votes had been revealed, it would have been a disgrace for the NPP, so he had to act swiftly, but he suffered for it,” she said.

Safo was responding to rumors suggesting she had voted against Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, the then-Speaker of Parliament. She vehemently denied these claims, calling them “vile rumors” and insisting that she had no reason to vote against Oquaye.

“Even during the primaries, the issue came up, but I dare the NPP leadership to come out and confirm that only two people voted against Prof. Oquaye. It is not true,” she said.

The former Deputy Majority Leader revealed that there were tensions among MPs before the election of the Speaker. In light of this, they reached out to President Akufo-Addo for guidance on potentially proposing a second candidate for the position.

“We wanted the then-President to propose at least three names so the MPs could select their preferred candidate. The writings were clear on the wall, and they were not silent about their displeasure,” she noted.

Adwoa Safo emphasized that she was dedicated to her responsibilities and pointed out that if she had intended to vote against Prof. Oquaye, she would have chosen to avoid the stress of the situation entirely.

“I am committed to my work, and if I had any plans of voting against Prof. Oquaye, I would have saved myself the stress,” she concluded.

“I would have slept in my house because I was even stuck in traffic and Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu had to send his motorcade to bring me to parliament for the voting,” she stressed.

Recounting the chaotic process, she noted that Speaker Alban Bagbin was not elected due to the votes cast but consensus between both sides.

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The allegations, which surfaced in March 2022, suggested that the flight was arranged to ensure her participation in the voting for the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy).

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the former Gender Minister neither confirmed nor denied the claim. However, she questioned the focus on her, stating that if a private jet was indeed chartered, she was not the only MP who was outside the country at the time.

“A number of things happened, and it’s important to speak the truth. It was alleged that a private jet was chartered for Adwoa Safo, but I want to challenge the NPP leadership—was I the only one it came for, even if it were true?” she asked.

Adwoa Safo expressed frustration over what she perceived as a deliberate attempt to tarnish her image and damage her reputation.

“There was a female colleague who went through a similar experience like mine, but as Deputy Majority Leader at the time, we managed the issue properly so it didn’t become public. So why wasn’t the same done for me?” she lamented.

North Tongu MP and then Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that another ¢948,500 (approximately $140,000) was spent on her chartered flight from the US.

According to his findings, the flight was carried out by a Gulfstream G-550 registered HB-JOE, operated by Premium Jet AG based in Belgium, which cost $4,800 per hour.

Although the flight was unsuccessful, questions have surfaced about what influenced the MP’s return, including the alleged ¢120,000 that was reportedly paid into her account by then Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare.

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, she recounted that she did not expect to hold such a position when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) came to power in 2016.

“When we came to power, everyone was expecting to be given a position, but I didn’t even expect that I would one day become the Deputy Majority Leader,” she said.

Adwoa Safo added that, historically, women in Parliament have mostly been assigned to the position of Second Deputy Whip, so her appointment was particularly surprising.

Having been in Parliament for three terms, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in such an important role.

“I thank God for the opportunity I had to serve as Deputy Majority Leader. It was a role that involved a lot of responsibility, including chairing caucuses and handling important business in Parliament,” she explained.

Adwoa Safo also noted that she took particular pride in her work with the Women’s Caucus, a platform that aims to support and empower women in politics.

 “I’m glad that I was able to break the glass ceiling. I hope that my time in that role will inspire those who come after me to contribute meaningfully to Parliament,” she stated.

She also expressed her happiness that the trend of female leadership in Parliament is continuing, as evidenced by the appointment of Patricia Appiagyei as the Deputy Majority Leader.

“It’s heartwarming to see women being recognized and trusted with leadership positions in Parliament. I thank God that I had the opportunity, and I’m pleased to see that others like Patricia are now following in my footsteps,” she said.

Adwoa Safo believes that women will continue to play a greater role in the future of Ghana’s Parliament.

“I am hopeful that more women will be given prominent roles, and that the Majority side of Parliament will continue to support and promote women in leadership,” she stated.

ADWOA SARFO ON DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER

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In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Adwoa Safo explained the internal conflict she faced between her personal convictions, her church, and her political party.

She said, “I was torn between my church and my political party. I had a personal conviction that the E-Levy would not help Ghana.”

She further stated that she didn’t see the E-Levy as a solution.

“I saw the E-Levy as not sitting well with the people, especially the poor.”

Adwoa Safo went on to share that she consulted with her people and her church members before making the final decision.

“I spoke with my people and my church family, and I knew I had to take a firm stand,” she added.

The former MP noted that if she had gone against her beliefs, she would not have been accepted back into her church community.

“If I had gone against that, no one in my church family would have accepted me,” she said, stressing the importance of staying true to her values.

Reflecting on the decision, she stated, “I’m looking for that day when someone can take a stand like I did, without fear or compromise.”

When asked if she communicated her decision to her party, Adwoa Safo replied, “I told those who needed to understand.”

She explained that the issue started from the Cabinet level and noted that even then Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had expressed concerns about the E-Levy, with some even suggesting it should be scrapped.

“Even Bawumia wanted to scrap the E-Levy when he was campaigning. If it was a good thing, why would poor Ghanaians be subjected to this tax? It’s not good for the people” she said.

Reflecting on the criticisms she faced, Adwoa Safo revealed that she stood by her principled decision

“What my church, my father, and my people said… they didn’t listen, but I knew it would worry them in the end.”

She therefore acknowledged that the government’s failure to listen to concerns about the E-Levy contributed to their downfall.

“That’s why I made that principled decision. They lost because the E-Levy was part of their downfall.”

Adwoa Safo had been the subject of criticism for her absence from Parliament during the Akufo-Addo administration, with some accusing her of holding the NPP Majority Caucus to ransom, particularly during the passage of the E-Levy bill.

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The claims, which were made by former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, in 2022, alleged that Madam Opare gave him GH₵120,000 to deposit in Adwoa Safo’s account at Fidelity Bank.

Agyapong stated that the money was intended to encourage Adwoa Safo to return to Ghana and attend parliamentary duties, especially when her presence was critical for the passage of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy).

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Adwoa Safo refuted the allegations, calling them mere attempts to tarnish her reputation.

She stressed that her family has a good relationship with the former Chief of Staff, making it unnecessary for any middleman to facilitate financial transactions.

“Some of the statements were hearsay, allegations, and even some of the people had to come and apologise. Aunty Frema knows my family very well and will drive straight to my father without the need for a middleman,” she said.

Adwoa Safo also clarified that she does not have a dollar account at Fidelity Bank, contrary to Agyapong’s claims that the money was deposited into a dollar account.

“Because of politics, when an issue comes, there are deliberate attempts to badmouth and derail you because you are excelling,” she added.

The MP further emphasized that her family is wealthy, and if she ever needed money, her father would be the one to provide it, not the party or any individual.

“I refute the claims of receiving money; it did not happen and can never happen. We don’t need money from someone to survive. People should not act as if we were picked from the roadside and had nothing,” she remarked.

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According to her, the influential name and her father’s contribution to society paved the way for her, particularly her journey to Parliament.

However, entering Parliament at age 29 and as one of the youngest, she had to work hard to maintain her position and also keep the name afloat.

The former Gender Minister disclosed this in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, stating that her father’s name comes with a bigger responsibility.

“Everybody knows the contribution of my father and if I had failed with this name, it would have been a disgrace. I know I was accepted in Parliament because of that name so I can’t disassociate myself from that name.

“But it comes with a bigger responsibility because I couldn’t let my father’s name and his contribution go down the drain. I met elderly people in Parliament and I had to understudy people to rise through the ranks quickly,” she stated.

The former lawmaker also noted that her background as a lawyer also contributed to her 12-year successful journey in Parliament.

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The former Minister for Gender, Women and Social Protection said she wanted to give the New Patriotic Party(NPP) candidate, Mike Ocquaye Junior the space to operate.

She recalled that after losing the primaries on January 27, she made it clear she will be more involved in the NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign.

Adwoa Safo said this in an interview with journalists when Parliament resumed on Monday, December 16, 2024.

“From the moment I lost that seat in my primary, I made it clear that I would be joined in the national campaign. I was not wavering about that. Because when you have been an MP for 12 years, you still have your supporters, you still have people moving around you.

“I think that my influence is still there. And I want to give my opponent the way and the room and the space to enjoy it and to work the way he wants to work. Not the way I want the constituency to follow suit,” she explained.

Mike Ocquaye Jnr. was confident on succeeding Adwoa Safo in the ninth parliament after defeating her in the NPP primary.

But his hope was dashed as the NPP lost the Dome Kwabenya seat which is deemed its stronghold to the National Democratic Congress(NDC).

The NDC candidate, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu was declared winner amidst series of chaos at the collation centre.

She polled 51,634 votes while Mr Oquaye secured 50,477 votes.

However, Mr Ocquaye has said he will not accept the results, arguing that the declaration was invalid

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She made this assertion at the World Political Leaders Summit 2024 held from 19 – 21st March in Athens, Greece.

This relentless pursuit of power, she said, turns politics into a ruthless game where winning is paramount.

Driven by this, the political parties, according to her, then resort to unethical tactics like smear campaigns and spreading misinformation, thereby, poisoning public discourse and eroding trust in democratic institutions.

“This erosion of trust deepens the gap between political entities and citizens, fostering cynicism towards democracy itself,” she bemoaned.

Speaking on the topic ‘The Perilous Grip: How Political Parties Threaten Democracy’ in a main-stage panel conversation with two other women political leaders, Gabriela Crețu, Member of the Senate of Romania, and Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová, Member of the European Parliament, Safo said the actions of political parties have greatly contributed to polarizing the Ghanaian society, a situation she added, comes with dire consequences if not addressed.

The twelfth edition of the three-day Summit was held under the theme, ‘Democracy in the 21st Century’.

The event was co-hosted by WPL and the Government of Greece under the patronage of H. E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

The Summit was meant to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in democracy in 2024 and to also serve as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role of women’s equal participation and leadership in preserving effective and resilient democracies.

Issues of meritocracy, political funding, and the processes leading to, during, and after the conduct of elections were also discussed by the former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

For instance, on the issue of elections, she said such must be free, fair and transparent, putting the burden of responsibility on the Electoral Commission of Ghana and also charging the political parties to be civil in their utterances so electorates could have confidence and trust in the processes to enable them to participate fully in the exercise.

Speaking on the issue of political party funding, Safo, who made history in the Parliament of Ghana by rising to the position of First female and youngest Deputy Majority Leader said the West African nation has no laws on political funding, making financiers of political parties take advantage of that lacuna to shape the interest of political parties to the detriment of the majority of the people that voted them into power.

To curtail the above-highlighted issues, Safo called for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and reiterated a quote by President Obama when he visited Ghana’s Parliament in 2009, saying ‘Africa does not need strong men, what Africa needs is strong institutions’

The reforms, she added, must be swift to foster inclusive, sustainable growth and social cohesion.

She further underscored the need to invest in civic education and political literacy to empower citizens to actively participate in the democratic process, calling on civil society organizations to play a role in this regard.

“We have to make sure that as the youth are coming out they see politics not as a tool for ethnic violence; they shouldn’t see politics as a tool of enriching themselves; they don’t see politics as a tool for polarization and sometimes as a tool leading to civil war. They need to see politics in a different dimension, which is that of serving humanity; serving my nation; serving my people; and providing the basic social amenities for my people”, she noted.

The former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection has said no conversation about about vice presidential candidate position has come to her attention yet.

Acknowledging she makes the cut for the position, she was quick to had it was the sole responsibility of Dr Bawumia to select a candidate.

“I think it is his [Dr Bawumia’s] prerogative, so I will leave it for him to decide,” she said in an interview on Accra-based Onua FM.

With Dr Bawumia yet to choose his running mate, various names have emerged as potential running mates.

Energy Minister; Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei -Owusu and Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum are some of the people tipped for the position.

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Energy Minister), Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum (Education Minister), and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (Majority Leader), have been rumoured as frontrunners.

The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Common Fund Administration; Naa Torshie and Ursula Owusu-Ekuful are also said to be contenders.

However, when asked in an interview if offered the position, Miss Safo added, “If you have heard my name to be part of those being considered, support it with prayers”

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According to her, the deliberate plan by the President to replace all dilapidated buildings for the judiciary with modern ones and as well, provide new infrastructure, especially, courtrooms and residential facilities to accommodate judges, has impacted positively on the judicial system.

She said the days when lawyers sat in dilapidated courtrooms and sweat profusely are now a thing of the past.

Likewise, the automation of the court system and the introduction of the virtual court system are all initiatives that have significantly increased accessibility to justice delivery.

Contributing to the debate on the President’s State of the Nation address on the floor of Parliament on Monday, March 4, 2024, the former Deputy Majority Leader said “Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe as a person that every leader must leave a legacy to which he or she would be remembered for when he or she is no more a leader. Just as we remember, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, our first President for the construction of our motorway and many more, this country shall forever be grateful and remember His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the conscious and well-calculated efforts and plan to improve and transform our judicial infrastructure”.

She added “Mr. Speaker, being a lawyer of 20 years of good standing, I completely appreciate this initiative by the government. Under this government, practising lawyers are more comfortable in our courtrooms. Sitting in dilapidated courthouses; sweating profusely in our wits and gowns; Mr. Speaker, we can boast that today it is now a thing of the past”.

However, the deputy Minority Whip and NDC MP for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, objected to her claims, noting that the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary across the country was the sole initiative of Parliament.

“Mr. Speaker, the judiciary infrastructure that is being provided through the District Assembly Common Fund was initiated by Parliament, not President Akufo-Addo. The Court of Appeals houses in Kumasi were initiated by this House, not His Excellency, the President. They all were funded by the District Assemblies Common Fund, and it was you as the Speaker and the Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, as the Minority Leader who said that the court infrastructure in this country is so bad that we must allocate a portion of the Common Fund disbursement for that. These didn’t come from the Central Government’s disbursement. It was initiated from this House and approved by this House”, he clarified.

His concern was re-echoed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who presided over the sitting.

“This is the tragedy of this House. You keep on undermining the relevance of Parliament by attributing whatever you do and achieve to others. This actually was done here in Parliament, and we, year-in-and-year-out, approve the money from the Common Fund to support the judiciary for what you are talking about. The President is taking this away from us, you are supporting him and the judiciary. I have had a personal discussion with the Chief Justice on this and they are aware that we approved the money and we got it released from the Common Fund for the execution of the projects. Now the President is taking credit, and members are commending him for being his legacy, not yours. How will they see your relevance, how will they value you and how will they support you? But that is what has been captured by the President and so she is commenting on that”, he said.

Adwoa Safo, a former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in reaction to the point of order raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, stated that the mention of government refers to all three arms of government.

“The mention of my government by the President includes efforts and initiatives achieved collaboratively by all three arms of government,” she explained.

Commenting further, she lauded the President for appointing another woman, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Eassaba Sackey Torkornoo as Chief Justice stressing that “this is good for feminism and this is good for gender equality and it is good for role model for young girls and women coming up who look up to our current Chief Justice”.

The Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker praised President Akufo-Addo for the provision of 121 residential units for judges across the country and the soon-to-be-commissioned 12-storey building that was initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

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Miss Safo was spotted with her son, Kelvin at the Dubai Miracle Garden as they embarked on a vacation to unwind from their stress.

This comes a few weeks after she lost her candidacy in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primary to her main contender, Mike Ocquaye Junior.

In a video shared on X formerly Twitter by SikaOfficial, the lawmaker joyfully announced her trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for rejuvenation.

A section of social media users have opined she is now at liberty to travel anywhere in the world for a vacation.

The former Gender Minister had 326 votes while Mr Ocquaye secured a landslide victory with 1,104 votes.

Underdog, Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady obtained 186.

Watch the video below:

• Adwoa Safo raises gender bias concerns in National Pledge

• Adwoa Safo suffers humiliating defeat in Dome-Kwabenya

MP for Dome-Kwabenya, Honorable Adwoa Safo, frees her inner child, as she has the time of her life with her son at the Dubai Miracle Garden. pic.twitter.com/UqGx4mpFjt

— SIKAOFFICIAL? (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) February 14, 2024

During parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, the former Minster for Gender, Women and Children questioned why portions made mention of only the blood and toil of forefathers and omit foremothers.

In her opinion, mothers equally toiled for Ghana and not just fathers, hence there must be that inclusion to acknowledge their contributions in the country’s history.

Miss Safo made these remarks in reaction to the new standing orders for parliamentarians to recite the national pledge at the beginning of sitting every week. 

The move is to instill a sense of patriotism and unity in the chamber.

Responding to the MP’s concerns, the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin noted out that the wording is enshrined in the constitution, thus any changes will require a constitutional amendment.

Under this updated framework, MPs will also undergo a roll call at the commencement of proceedings.

This significant amendment in the new standing orders mandates heads of institutions to personally appear before Parliament to address inquiries pertaining to their agencies, a departure from the previous protocol where Ministers of State could represent them during questioning.

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There were reports that, she is considering contesting the December parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.

But Ms. Safo has stated categorically that, her allegiance is still with the ruling NPP and is committed to working to ensure flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia wins the elections.

As a three-term Member of Parliament, she said is upholds the fundamental principles which underpin the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition in high esteem.

Adwoa Safo urged NPP members to threat to supposed claim of her going independent with the contempt it deserves.

Ms. Safo lost the elections held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 to Chief Executive of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Michael Oquaye Jnr. who beat her by 778 votes.

Three days on, she has made public her political future ahead of the December 7 general elections.

The Dome-Kwabenya MP said she is committed to working hard for the NPP to break the 8.

Adwoa Safo expressed profound gratitude to delegates and constituents for the opportunity to represent their interests in Parliament for the past 12 years.

Miss Safo who was confident about her re-election has lost her seat to her main contender, Chief Executive of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Michael Oquaye Jr.

The former Gender Minister had 326 votes while Mr Ocquaye secured a landslide victory with 1,104 votes.

Underdog, Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady obtained 186.

Ms Safo survived the previous primary in 2020 by eight votes before going on to annex the seat.

For the greater part of the past three years, however, she was accused of shirking her parliamentary duties and sabotaging government business as she was based in the United States of America.

Adwoa Safo’s defeat was therefore expected over what many said will be a punishment from constituents but the margin has sent shock down the spines of Ghanaians.