Former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has publicly affirmed her political support for Vice-President Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as the cornerstone of her political aspirations as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) approaches a significant leadership transition.
In her address to party delegates and supporters, Ms Adwoa Safo called for unity, self-reflection, and strategic planning within the party. “It is time for Bawumia,” she stated.
She further explained that political ambition is both natural and legitimate for all members of the party.
“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 remarked.
She recognised that the NPP encompasses a wide range of views, with many delegates having strong familial connections within the party’s grassroots.
“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion in politics,” she observed, but warned that leadership choices should prioritise the long-term welfare of the party over personal or emotional factors.
Ms Adwoa Safo was eager to refute any implication that her endorsement of Dr Bawumia stems from personal animosity towards Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.
“I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong,” she asserted. “We have two beautiful children together, one male and one female; therefore, I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong”.
Nevertheless, she pointedly added, “This is not a matter of family and friends in the NPP party”.
In light of the party’s recent electoral loss, Ms. Adwoa Safo called upon the NPP to reflect on its errors.
“We must learn lessons from our loss, which has rendered us in opposition,” she stated.
She indicated that a significant factor contributing to the party’s defeat was the widespread belief that family and friends were given preferential treatment during their time in government.
“While in government, we made that mistake, and it has cost us,” she remarked.
The former minister also emphasised her extensive service record to both 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 noted.
“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 expressed concerns regarding her political future should he become the party’s leader and subsequently the President.
“I have never said he is going to win this contest,” she clarified, “but let us assume he wins and becomes President, and he comes across my CV.”
She implied that her qualifications might not be acknowledged in such a scenario.
Reflecting on her contributions and service to the nation and her party, she stated that it would seem implausible for someone with whom she shares two children to consider appointing her as a minister; chaos would ensue in the country.
Furthermore, she asserted that the Kennedy Agyapong she knows, with whom she has two children, would never take such an action.
Thus, she concluded that her political career and future are at risk, emphasising, “My future lies with Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia,” she explained.
