Former Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has thrown her weight behind Vice-President Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, declaring that her political future within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is firmly tied to his leadership as the party heads into a defining transition period.
Speaking to party delegates and supporters, the former minister urged the NPP to approach its next leadership decision with unity, sober reflection and strategic thinking, insisting that the party must prioritise its long-term survival and electoral fortunes.
“It is time for Bawumia,” she declared.
Ms Adwoa Safo stressed that ambition is a natural part of politics and should not be demonised, noting that all aspirants within the party have the right to pursue their political goals.
“I am a politician, and Honourable Kennedy Agyapong is also a politician,” she said. “Just as Honourable Ken has his ambitions and opinions, I also have mine, and I am pursuing my political career.”
She described the NPP as a broad church, acknowledging that many delegates are connected by family and longstanding relationships at the grassroots level. However, she cautioned against allowing such ties to influence critical leadership decisions.
“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion in politics,” she said, adding that choices about leadership must be guided by the party’s future rather than emotions or personal loyalties.
Addressing speculation about her relationship with Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, Ms Adwoa Safo firmly rejected claims that her support for Dr Bawumia was driven by personal animosity.
“I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong,” she stated. “We have two beautiful children together, one male and one female.” She emphasised, however, that the contest should not be reduced to family considerations.
“This is not about family and friends in the NPP,” she stressed.
Turning to the party’s recent electoral defeat, the former MP called on members to confront uncomfortable truths and learn from past mistakes that have pushed the NPP into opposition.
According to her, public perception that government appointments favoured family and close associates significantly damaged the party’s image.
“While in government, we made that mistake, and it has cost us,” she said.
Ms Adwoa Safo also highlighted her years of service to the party and the nation, questioning whether her experience should be overlooked in future leadership considerations.
“I started contesting as a Member of Parliament in 2007,” she said. “I have served for twelve years as an MP, Deputy Majority Leader, Minister for Procurement and Minister for Gender. The question is: have I not served?”
While acknowledging Mr Agyapong’s contributions to the party, she raised concerns about her own political prospects should he emerge as the party’s leader and eventually become President.
“I have never said he will win this contest,” she explained. “But if he does and becomes President, and he looks at my CV, what happens?”
She argued that appointing her under such circumstances would be politically difficult and potentially destabilising.
“For someone I have two children with to appoint me as a minister would cause serious controversy in this country,” she said, adding that Mr Agyapong himself would be unlikely to make such a decision.
“For that reason, my political career and future are at stake. My future lies with Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia,” she concluded.
