Former Dome Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has declared her support for Vice-President Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, stating that her political future in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is firmly aligned with his leadership rather than that of Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.
Addressing party delegates and supporters, Ms Adwoa Safo called for unity, introspection and strategic thinking ahead of a leadership transition, declaring, “It is time for Bawumia.” She said political ambition is legitimate for all party members, noting, “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 acknowledged the diversity of views within the NPP and the strong family ties among its grassroots, stressing that, “Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion in politics,” but warned that leadership decisions must be guided by the party’s long-term interest rather than personal or emotional considerations.
Ms Adwoa Safo dismissed suggestions that her support for Dr Bawumia was driven by hostility toward Mr Agyapong, saying, “I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong. We have two beautiful children together, one male and one female; therefore, I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong.” She added, however, “This is not a matter of family and friends in the NPP party.”
Reflecting on the party’s recent electoral defeat, she urged members to learn from the experience, stating, “We must learn lessons from our loss, which has rendered us in opposition.” She argued that one key factor 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 said.
Highlighting her years of service, Ms Adwoa Safo questioned 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 contributions to the party, she expressed concern about her prospects should he become party leader and President. “I have never said he is going to win this contest,” she said, “but let us assume he wins and becomes President, and he comes across my CV.”
She went on to explain the implications of such a scenario, saying: “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.”
Ms Adwoa Safo concluded by stressing the stakes involved, stating, “Therefore, my political career and future are at stake. My future lies with Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.”