Former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has openly declared her support for Vice-President Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as key to her political future as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) moves towards a crucial leadership transition.
Speaking to party delegates and supporters, Ms Adwoa Safo urged unity, reflection and strategic thinking within the party, declaring, “It is time for Bawumia.” She stressed that political ambition is legitimate and natural for all party members.
“I am a politician, and Honourable Kennedy Agyapong is also a politician. Just as Honourable Ken has his views and ambitions, I also have mine, and I am pursuing my political career,” she said.
She noted that the NPP is a broad-based party with close family and social ties at the grassroots, and cautioned delegates to base leadership choices on the long-term interests of the party rather than personal relationships or emotions.
Ms Adwoa Safo rejected suggestions that her endorsement of Dr Bawumia was motivated by personal animosity towards the Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.
“I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong. We have two beautiful children together, one boy and one girl. This is not about family or friendships within the NPP.” she stated.
Reflecting on the party’s recent electoral defeat, she called on the NPP to draw lessons from the experience, saying the loss had pushed the party into opposition. She identified perceptions of favouritism towards family and friends while in government as one of the factors that contributed to the defeat.
“While in government, we made that mistake, and it has cost us,” she said.
The former minister also highlighted her years of service to the party and the country, questioning whether her experience should be discounted.
“I first contested for Parliament in 2007 and have been a committed party member since then. I served as a Member of Parliament for 12 years, Deputy Majority Leader, Minister for Procurement and Minister for Gender. Have I not served?” she asked.
While acknowledging Mr Agyapong’s contributions to the NPP, Ms Adwoa Safo expressed concern about her political future should he emerge as party leader and eventually become President.
“I have never said he will win this contest. But if he were to become President and reviewed my record of service, appointing me as a minister would generate serious controversy because of our personal relationship. And the Kennedy Agyapong I know would not do that.” she explained.
She concluded by stating that her political future lies with Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, whom she believes offers her the best path forward within the party.
