It appears that Hon Adwoa Safo, the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, faced a series of personal challenges in the lead-up to the 2020 election.
The story begins with the revelation that Hon Adwoa Safo was pregnant during the 2020 election season. However, it took a tragic turn as she tragically lost her child after childbirth. Her experience was one of great sorrow and despair, as she narrowly escaped losing her own life during the process.
But the challenges didn’t end there. While grappling with her personal loss and health recovery, the MP received a heart-wrenching call from the United States, where she has a son and a daughter. The call conveyed devastating news that her son had fallen seriously ill, facing the grim prospect of a life-altering disability.
To make matters even more difficult, Hon Adwoa Safo was confronted with another emotional hurdle: the potential threat of having her children taken away from her. The prospect of losing custody of her children must have added immense pressure to an already challenging situation.
Seth Osei Kissi, an aide to Hon Adwoa Safo, expressed his sympathy and admiration for the MP, saying, “Excuse me to say, you suffered stillbirth, nearly lost your own life, your child suffers a serious illness, and you are again told they might be taken away from you. Where do you start from in such a difficult situation?”
Despite these formidable personal obstacles, Hon Adwoa Safo continued to fulfill her duties as a Member of Parliament and remained committed to serving her constituents in Dome Kwabenya. Her ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a testament to her dedication to public service and the resilience of the human spirit.
The story of Hon Adwoa Safo serves as a reminder that public figures often face personal challenges behind the scenes while carrying out their public responsibilities. Her strength and determination in overcoming these hardships exemplify the qualities of leadership and fortitude.
The National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Stephen Ntim, has characterized the public apology of the embattled Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, to the party and her constituents as fitting and appropriate.
Mr. Ntim believes that the apology signifies the MP’s remorse for her actions. He further stated that Adwoa Safo fulfilled the necessary steps expected of her, and the party has received it with open arms.
“Adwoa Safo’s apology is in order; I really support her objective because she knows the NPP is the only party she belongs to. So, she is doing what is expected of her, I mean the apology and all that,” Chairman Ntim said.
However, Mr. Ntim added that Sarah Adwoa Safo remains a member of the party, and her return to Parliament will ultimately depend on the decision of her constituents.
“If the constituents accept her to be an MP once again despite all that has gone on, I as Chairman and the rest of the party leadership will back her with our spirits to become an MP.
“So, her fate rests in the hands of Dome-Kwabenya delegates, from polling station to the constituency level,” Chairman Ntim added.
In a video shared on Facebook on September 14, the former Gender Minister issued an apology to the NPP for the controversies that arose due to her prolonged absence from parliamentary duties.
She openly acknowledged that her actions were without justification and expressed deep regret, attributing her absenteeism to personal challenges.
During her apology, she extended her regrets to President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, parliamentary leadership, the party’s leadership, and her constituents.
“It was not my intention to disrespect you. There was a lot going on in my life and family. I’m using this medium to plead for your forgiveness in the name of God,” she said.
Adwoa Safo’s extended absence from parliament became one of the most widely debated topics in the country in 2022, causing division within both the legislative house and the party.
This discussion stemmed from her departure from the country in November 2021.
Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has called for the expulsion of Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, from the party.
Mr Obiri Boahen argued that the MP displayed a lack of professionalism and discipline as a politician when she held the party hostage.
He advised the NPP to dismiss her apology and attempts to reconcile with her constituency and party members and instead take the step of expelling her.
“In my opinion, anywhere you find yourself, there must be discipline. People have served the party but have not benefited, but for you, Adwoa Safo, you are an NPP member, you have become an MP, Deputy Minister and a Minister of State and as a party, we need your assistance in taking decisions to vote.”
“You kept saying you won’t come, the party pleaded, you insisted you won’t come, then you’re telling me that Adwoa Safo has pleaded for her actions and so we should do what? Should they accept her so that she returns to parliament again?”
“Impossible! We need to be disciplined. If you’re a politician and you are not disciplined, then there will be problems for you,” he stated.
During an interview on Okay FM, Mr. Boahen expressed his preference for the NPP to disregard Adwoa Safo and risk losing the Dome Kwabenya seat rather than forgiving and readmitting her to the party.
His statement came in the wake of Adwoa Safo’s public apology to her constituents and party members the previous week regarding her extended absence from parliament in 2022, which had sparked a nationwide debate.
The former Gender Minister acknowledged that her absence, although detrimental to the party, was not intentional. She clarified that her actions were a result of personal challenges she faced within her family during that period.
A video has surfaced online featuring Sarah Adwoa Safo, the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, serving individuals at a public gathering believed to be within her constituency.
The video was shared on Twitter (now known as X), capturing the MP personally distributing snacks to people gathered beneath a canopy. Carrying a tray and assisted by some women in her vicinity, Sarah Adwoa Safo handed out frozen ice-creams to those seated nearby.
While the specific occasion is not clearly identified, it’s important to note that the Electoral Commission of Ghana has commenced a Limited Voter Registration exercise aimed at enrolling individuals who reached the age of 18 after the previous registration event.
On her Facebook page, the Dome-Kwabenya MP promoted this initiative with a flyer, encouraging all eligible residents in her constituency to participate.
The registration drive, which commenced on September 12, is scheduled to conclude on October 2, 2023.
Aaron Kumah, a lecturer at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has weighed in on the recent political decisions made by the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo.
Kumah is strongly urging the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to allow her to participate in the upcoming primaries as a candidate.
Kumah’s position is rooted in Adwoa Safo’s recent public apology, which he views as a strategic maneuver aimed at securing her continued presence in parliamentary politics.
The lecturer contends that Adwoa Safo’s recent actions have demonstrated a lack of respect for the party, and he believes this disregard should be a critical factor when evaluating her candidacy.
While recognizing the significance of issuing apologies when one acknowledges their errors, he remains skeptical about the sincerity of Adwoa Safo’s apology.
He remarked, “For her to come and beg, I see no regret in her. What I see is that because she has realized that we are going for primaries and initially she didn’t want to contest again, but now she has realized that she can go again, so she wants to come and apologize.
“If they forgive her and NPP delegates vote for her to become an MP again, she will lose miserably because what she did is disheartening.”
The main source of Kumah’s worries is what she perceives to be Adwoa Safo’s lack of regard for the party.
Her limited exposure to a regular classroom setting as a result of home tuition, he said, may have contributed to this mindset.
Last week, the former gender minister ended her silence regarding her extended absence from parliament.
During this statement, she tendered a wholehearted apology to her party and its members, providing insight into the personal difficulties she and her family encountered during that period.
Adwoa Safo admitted that her absence had not been deliberate and conveyed sincere regret for any inconvenience it might have caused.
She specifically addressed key figures within her party, stating, “I want to use this platform to apologize to my party, and leaders of the party. The first is President Akufo-Addo, the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, the Majority Leader, and the entire Majority Caucus.”
She continued, “I want to apologize because it was not intentional, there was a lot going on in my life and that of my family. I am using this medium to plead with you all in the name of God. To my regional executives and my constituency executive, the headquarters of the NPP, I plead with you all, including sympathizers and supporters who love the party and myself, to forgive me for everything that has happened.”
The Member of Parliament representing Dome–Kwabenya for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sarah Adwoa Safo, has officially declared her candidacy for the upcoming 2024 election.
Adwoa Safo, who initially entered Parliament in 2012, recently publicly apologized to the President, Vice President, and the NPP leadership for actions she believes had an adverse impact on the party.
During her absence, which lasted nearly a year, a void was created both in Parliament and at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, where she had been serving as Minister. Following a tour of her constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo confirmed that she had already communicated her intentions to run for office once again to the party.
“Politics is a game of numbers, if it’s the will of God and the people want me, I will run again,” Adwoa Safo said.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed its endorsement of the public apology issued by the Member of Parliament. Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, commended her apology as a positive step that enhances the party’s image. He stated, “She has taken a positive action, and the party welcomes her apology.”
Nevertheless, some NPP executives within the Dome-Kwabenya constituency have received the apology from Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, with skepticism.
Theophilus Larbi, the NPP constituency Secretary for Dome-Kwabenya, characterized her apology as a recurring pattern, adding that her potential re-election as the parliamentary candidate in the upcoming general elections could have a detrimental impact on the party’s prospects in the constituency.’
Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has disclosed her unwavering determination to contest the 2024 elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.
Engaging the media during a tour of the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, she cited the love her constituents have for her as the reason for her decision to serve them once again despite her prolonged absence.
She admitted that her prolonged absence is a matter to be addressed and is willing to take the time to explain to her constituents the reason she had to be away for close to a year.
“I still have a lot to do for my people and I have to take the pain to explain to them the reasons for my absence and when the time comes.”
“I shall not desert my people, I shall represent them again by God’s grace, and I think that my people still love me,” she is quoted by Pulse.com to have told Metro TV.
In a message shared on her social media platform on Thursday, September 14, Adwoa Safo admitted that her absence caused inconvenience for the government, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Dome-Kwabenya constituents.
She therefore apologised to President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Parliament, the Chief of Staff, Frema Opare, and her constituents.
The former Gender Minister, however, clarified that her absence was not driven by malice.
On May 22, 2022, Adwoa Safo explained to Ghanaians that she was residing in the United States in order to cater for her ailing son.
According to her, she had informed the President of her predicament. Later on November 22, 2022, she was sighted in Parliament assuming her legislative duties.
Adowa Safo’s absence, however, came with consequences. President Akufo-Addo on Thursday, July 28, 2022, relieved her of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with Article 81(a) of the 1992 constitution.
Meanwhile, some residents of Dome Kwabenya have welcomed Adowa Safo’s apology. However, they noted that she will not be considered for the parliamentary election in 2024 should she contest on the ticket of the NPP.
Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has affirmed her steadfast commitment to run for the 2024 elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.
During a media engagement as part of her tour of the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, she acknowledged her extended absence, admitting that it is a concern that needs to be addressed.
She expressed her willingness to take the time to explain to her constituents the reasons for her nearly year-long absence.
“I still have a lot to do for my people and I have to take the pain to explain to them the reasons for my absence and when the time comes,” she is quoted by Pulse.com to have told Metro TV.
She was optimistic of being given the nod by her constituents, who share divided opinions about her running again.
Sarah Adwoa Safo cited the love her constituents have for her as a reason for her optimism.
“I shall not desert my people, I shall represent them again by God’s grace, and I think that my people still love me,” she stated.
In a message shared on her social media platform on Thursday, September 14, Adwoa Safo admitted that her absence caused inconvenience for the government, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Dome-Kwabenya constituents.
She therefore apologised to President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Parliament, the Chief of Staff, Frema Opare, and her constituents.
The former Gender Minister, however, clarified that her absence was not driven by malice.
On May 22, 2022, Adwoa Safo explained to Ghanaians that she was residing in the United States in order to cater for her ailing son.
According to her, she had informed the President of her predicament. Later on November 22, 2022, she was sighted in Parliament assuming her legislative duties.
Adowa Safo’s absence, however, came with consequences. President Akufo-Addo on Thursday, July 28, 2022, relieved her of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with Article 81(a) of the 1992 constitution.
Meanwhile, some residents of Dome Kwabenya have welcomed Adowa Safo’s apology. However, they noted that she will not be considered for the parliamentary election in 2024 should she contest on the ticket of the NPP.
Popular Ghanaian reggae musician and radio host Blakk Rasta criticised Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Adwoa Safo for her actions, following an apology she rendered to her party.
It may be recalled that the lawmaker and former minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection came under fire after taking a 9-month hiatus from all official duties, including those of the legislature and the government.
Her absence resulted in her termination as the gender minister and calls for her removal as an MP. Sarah Adwoa Safo apologised to the NPP and her constituents for her behaviour after she returned to Ghana and said she would like to run for office again.
Blakk Rasta, however, was not fazed by the apology. On his show on Accra-based 3FM. He described her as a “shameless politrickian” who insulted the nation without offering apologies. Adding that she was only apologising due to the upcoming elections.
“Adwoa Safo is one of the most shameless politrickians you can think of in this country. When she was on a spree of insulting this nation and insulting the good people of this country, she arrogantly did it and was not even ready to apologise to anybody. Today, elections are coming so they are busy knocking on the doors of the people”, he stated.
Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has rendered an apology to Ghanaians for her absence for about a year during her tenure as a lawmaker and minister.
Adwoa Safo’s absenteeism commenced after the House approved the 2022 budget in November 2021.
In a message shared on her social media platform on Thursday, September 14, Adwoa Safo admitted that her absence caused inconvenience for the government, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Dome-Kwabenya constituents.
She therefore apologised to President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Parliament, the Chief of Staff, Frema Opare, and her constituents.
The former Gender Minister, however, clarified that her absence was not driven by malice.
“I want to use this platform to apologize to my party members, the NPP Patriotic Party, and all party leaders. First of all, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his Vice President, our mother, the Chief of Staff Hon. Frema Osei-Opare, the Majority Leader, and the entire leadership of Parliament.
“My fellow MPs in the majority caucus, I want to take this platform to apologize to you. Some time ago, some things I did, I want to plead with you that it was not deliberate, and it was not that I had decided to disrespect you. There were certain things that were happening in my life and in my family. I am on this platform begging you all in the name of God.
“My regional executive in Greater Accra, my constituency executives headed by Chairman Bonsu, the headquarters of NPP, the General Secretary, and the National Chairman, and all those who work with you, I apologize to you all. Supporters and sympathizers who all love the party, who loved me and had faith in me and our constituency, I apologize to you all. For all that has happened, please forgive me my sins.
“There is a proverb that says, when your child eases themselves on your leg, you do not cut it off, you wipe it off. For whatever has happened, I beg you all in the name of God.
“My name is Adwoa Safo, MP for Dome Kwabenya. God bless you all,” she said in the local dialect, Twi.
Sarah Adwoa Safo, M.P for Dome-Kwabenya apologizes for actions in recent past
However, the tone of the message did not reflect the Adwoa Safo Ghanaians knew a biennium or a lustrum ago. Her stay in the United States of America appears to have altered her mother tongue. She did not pronounce words as a native would.
In Ghana, such a phenomenon is coined Locally Acquired Foreign Accent (L.A.F.A).
For some tweeps, her LAFA was the main subject of her message, not its content.
A user, Adam Sirina Ziblim, asked “She is from which country America or Ghana.”
On May 22, 2022, Adwoa Safo explained to Ghanaians that she was residing in the United States in order to cater for her ailing son.
According to her, she had informed the President of her predicament. Later, on November 22, 2022, she was sighted in Parliament, assuming her legislative duties.
Adowa Safo’s absence, however, came with consequences. On Thursday, July 28, 2022, President Akufo-Addo relieved her of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with Article 81(a) of the 1992 constitution.
Meanwhile, some residents of Dome Kwabenya have welcomed Adowa Safo’s apology. However, they noted that she will not be considered for the parliamentary election in 2024 should she contest on the ticket of the NPP.
In a Facebook video posted on September 14, the MP apologized to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the controversies caused by her extended absence from parliamentary duties.
She acknowledged her actions were unjustified, citing personal challenges, and expressed regret. She extended her apologies to President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, parliamentary leadership, the party hierarchy, and her constituents.
While some constituents have accepted her apology, Theophilus Ansah Larbi, in an interview with JoyNews’ Samuel Mbura, stated that although the apology is acknowledged, Sarah Adwoa Safo will not be considered for the parliamentary election in 2024.
He emphasized that while no one can prevent the MP from contesting, the delegates have the ultimate say. He also expressed the belief that the party has sufficient individuals to represent the constituency and that they are weary of hearing the constituency’s name associated with negative news.
“Okay, we accept your apology but we think enough is enough. When you go to the marketplaces and ‘trotro’ [bus] stations, people say that if we don’t know and we bring Adwoa Safo back,they will vote against her,” he said.
Constituents appear divided on the issue, however. While some were willing to accept her apology and give her another chance, others were of the view that they ought to give her a taste of her medicine.
“Adwoa Safo’s administration is very poor, you see her around when it’s time for election with ‘macho’ men that is what all of them are up to,”’ one constituent said.
Another said “They are there for their own interest. What are they doing to help the constituency so that I get the benefit of the vote cast?”
“The MPs are many, we want them to be downsized”one said.
“Human beings offend humans, so if she has done something and realizes her wrong, who are we to say no? We will forgive her… For apology, it is accepted but to give the person the chance to do that again, it will not happen.”
In a Facebook video posted on September 14, the MP apologized to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the controversies caused by her extended absence from parliamentary duties.
She acknowledged her actions were unjustified, citing personal challenges, and expressed regret. She extended her apologies to President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, parliamentary leadership, the party hierarchy, and her constituents.
While some constituents have accepted her apology, Theophilus Ansah Larbi, in an interview with JoyNews’ Samuel Mbura, stated that although the apology is acknowledged, Sarah Adwoa Safo will not be considered for the parliamentary election in 2024.
He emphasized that while no one can prevent the MP from contesting, the delegates have the ultimate say. He also expressed the belief that the party has sufficient individuals to represent the constituency and that they are weary of hearing the constituency’s name associated with negative news.
“Okay, we accept your apology but we think enough is enough. When you go to the marketplaces and ‘trotro’ [bus] stations, people say that if we don’t know and we bring Adwoa Safo back,they will vote against her,” he said.
Constituents appear divided on the issue, however. While some were willing to accept her apology and give her another chance, others were of the view that they ought to give her a taste of her medicine.
“Adwoa Safo’s administration is very poor, you see her around when it’s time for election with ‘macho’ men that is what all of them are up to,”’ one constituent said.
Another said “They are there for their own interest. What are they doing to help the constituency so that I get the benefit of the vote cast?”
“The MPs are many, we want them to be downsized”one said.
“Human beings offend humans, so if she has done something and realizes her wrong, who are we to say no? We will forgive her… For apology, it is accepted but to give the person the chance to do that again, it will not happen.”
Sarah Adwoa Safo, M.P for Dome-Kwabenya apologizes for actions in recent past
Sarah Adwoa Safo, Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, has issued a heartfelt apology to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with a special focus on president Akufo-Addo, vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, for her recent actions.
Mrs. Safo clarified that her actions were unintentional and stemmed from personal challenges affecting her as an individual and as a family member. She also sought forgiveness from the Majority Caucus and the party’s regional and constituency executives.
Sarah Adwoa Safo, M.P for Dome-Kwabenya apologizes for actions in recent past
A captivating video has recently surfaced on social media, showcasing a moment between Kennedy Agyapong, a prominent Member of Parliament (MP) and a hopeful New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, and Sarah Adwoa Safo, the respected MP for Dome Kwabenya. The intriguing one-minute-thirty-second clip, shared by Oyerapa TV/FM, has captivated users and triggered a flurry of discussions online.
In the video, the distinguished Kennedy Agyapong, who also serves as the MP for Assin Central, is seen approaching Adwoa Safo as she gracefully enters the parliamentary chamber for her official duties. A sense of anticipation fills the air as Kennedy Agyapong discreetly hands a pristine white envelope to Adwoa Safo, initiating an intriguing exchange.
Adwoa Safo, taken aback by the unexpected gesture, delicately taps Kennedy Agyapong and engages in a brief conversation with him. With grace and poise, she carefully places the envelope inside her bag, leaving onlookers wondering about its contents.
Social media has been ablaze with discussions surrounding this enigmatic exchange, with speculations swirling about the envelope’s significance. Observers have noted the envelope’s seemingly substantial size, leading to conjecture that it may have contained a significant sum of money.
Yet, the true purpose behind Kennedy Agyapong’s gesture and the contents concealed within the envelope remain shrouded in mystery, allowing room for elegant speculation and contemplation.
In light of Kennedy Agyapongand Adwoa Safo’s known connection, as they share the joy of parenthood with at least two children, some have pondered whether the envelope might have contained financial support for their beloved offspring. However, it is important to note that these assumptions remain unconfirmed.
The video has undoubtedly captivated the attention of discerning individuals, drawing them into an intriguing web of curiosity and speculation. As the whispers and theories continue to circulate, only time will reveal the true nature of this intriguing gesture between two esteemed Members of Parliament.
Seth Osei Kissi, the Chief of Staff for Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament and lawyer Sarah Adwoa Safo, has disclosed that the lawmaker was absent from work for an extended period due to circumstances beyond her control.
In an interview with Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Kissi explained that the MP had traveled because she was expecting a child, but unfortunately, she experienced a miscarriage.
Adding to her distress, the MP received news that her first son had fallen ill and was at risk of losing his ability to walk.
These unfortunate incidents greatly traumatized the MP, necessitating her longer absence from work to address these personal challenges.
“The MP’s absence was not intentional,” he said. “She was pregnant and due to give birth, so she travelled to give birth, but she, unfortunately, lost the child during childbirth. During the same period, the first son became ill and nearly lost his ability to walk. The two stories were devastating, but she remained steadfast and strong throughout. These were the reasons she was gone for so long. She had no plans to leave the district or her job for that long. Her absence was due to the circumstances of the time.”
Kissi further shared that the viral video of the MP singing occurred after the doctor attending to her son informed her that his surgery had been successful and that he would regain the ability to walk.
The disclosure of these details was prompted by constituents persistently seeking answers regarding her prolonged absence. Additionally, Kissi confirmed that the MP will seek re-election in the NPP’s parliamentary primaries.
Meanwhile, he has revealed that the MP has met with the youth and women organisers in the constituencies and that she will soon meet with the organisers, secretaries, and leaders in the constituency to inform them that she will run again.
He claimed that her meetings so far have been positive and that the delegates have declared a ‘No Adwoa Safo, No Vote’ campaign.
Member of Parliament for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Adwoa Safo, has stated that despite the hardships and obstacles that the party is facing, theNew Patriotic Party(NPP) remains focused on the country’s prosperity and growth.
According to her, the party will not fail its members despite these challenges.
In a Facebook post where she shared a picture of herself and the chief of Staff, Frema Opareshe captioned;
“The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is all we have and it remains the sole platform and vehicle through which the Prosperity and Development of our dear Country Ghana will be realised.”
On February 14, 2023, President Akufo-Addo and Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, came together for a local school inauguration ceremony.
Up to July 2022, Sarah Adwoa Safo served as the minister of gender, women, and social protection.
After more than a year away on an extended leave from the ministry and a contentious absence from Parliament, President Akufo-Addo removed her of her duties.
When President Akufo-Addo opened and turned over the Kwabenya Model Kindergarten School, the MP featured prominent in images released by the administration.
BSW International built the facility for the residents of Kwabenya through the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Adwoa Safo was captured holding the red tape along with other guests like the Education and Greater Accra Regional Ministers who were also in attendance. She was also seated on the dais with the Education Minister sandwiching her and the president.
President Akufo-Addo with Sarah Adwoa Safo and other ministers in his government
In comments during the launch, Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of quality and inclusive early childhood education, stating that it enables all children, irrespective of their physical, emotional, social or medical challenges, to come together at school, to play and learn together.
He said the absence of this deprives the child of play and other critical things of childhood, like cognitive, motor, physical, social, emotional, core competencies and language development.
It is for this reason that Mr Akufo-Addo said his government has embarked on the construction of some 350 kindergarten blocks, for which 160 have so far been completed while several dilapidated KG blocks have also been renovated but without mentioning numbers.
“We will continue to invest in education, and help secure our country’s future, for these interventions are geared towards the growth and development of Ghana,” he stated adding “we are preparing our youth for the birth of a prosperous society – a society which creates opportunities for all its citizens, rewards creativity and enterprise, honesty and hard work.”
The UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.2 explicitly seeks to ensure that, by 2030, all girls and boys will have access to early childhood care and development to prepare them for primary education.
Even though the beginning of the eighth parliament had major happenings like a hung parliament and the election of the speaker from the opposition party, among others, the year 2022 had some unprecedented incidents that got the nation talking.
GhanaWeb compiles a list of some of these happenings;
Majority calls for Dome-Kwabenya’s seat to be declared vacant
On April 5, 2022, Speaker Alban Bagbin directed Adwoa Safo, Kennedy Agyapong and Henry Quartey to the Privileges Committee.
The Speaker’s directive was in line with Article 97 (1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 17 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which states emphatically that “A Member shall not absent himself during a meeting for more than fifteen sittings without the permission in writing of the Speaker. Any member infringing this Order shall have his conduct referred to the Privileges Committee.”
The Privileges Committee produced a report after meeting the two other MPs, Ken Agyapong and Henry Quartey, and presented it to parliament.
The Privileges Committee said in their report that they could not reach Adwoa Safo; therefore, they could not come out with a decision, but the majority maintained that whether or not they heard from Adwoa Safo, the constitution stated clearly that the seat should be declared vacant as it was automatic for it to be so.
However, when the report was brought to the house, the majority leader insisted that the committee had submitted the report to the house and the report had been laid for the information of the house and, therefore, a decision had already been determined concerning the three persons and the imperatives of Article 97 would automatically be triggered.
The majority leader added that what was captured as a motion in the order paper had issues as the purpose of a motion is for the house to make a determination, one he considers already determined (by declaring the seat vacant).
“Mr Speaker, the privileges committee have submitted the report, and indeed my own thinking and the incumbent of the situation is that once the committee has made a determination in respect of the three persons, then the imperative of Article 97 will automatically be triggered.
“Mr Speaker, my thinking is that even what is captured here as a motion; the purpose of a motion is for the house to make a determination and thinking that rarely this is not for the house to make a determination.”
The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, argued that the house is governed by the 1992 constitution and the standing orders of the house.
According to him, the house should not set a precedent that a seat can be declared vacant based on recommendations of a Privileges Committee report, a precedent that could likely affect the house subsequently.
Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that if a report has been submitted to parliament, the house must take a decision.
However, the Speaker dismissed this call by the majority, stating that the report from the committee was not final but to be brought before the house for the plenary to take a decision on the matter.
The Speaker is yet to take a decision on this matter even though Adwoa Safo officially returned to the house on November 11, 2022.
NPP MPs protesting against an appointee of their govt
On October 25, a group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sack the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, to restore public confidence in the economy.
This was announced in a media briefing by their spokesperson, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North.
The group said it will not partake in government business nor support the 2023 budget if the president fails to heed their calls.
According to them, the move follows previous concerns sent to the government that had not yielded any positive results.
“We have had occasions to defend allegations of conflicts of interest, lack of confidence, and trust against the leadership of the Finance Ministry.
“The recent development within the economy is of major concern to our caucus and our constituents. We have made our grave concern to our president through the parliamentary leadership and the leadership of the party without any positive response,” Andy Appiah Kubi said.
The MPs believe the move would change the current economic situation in the country.
This action has been described as unprecedented, as many have also called on the president to take action to avoid political instability.
However, just at the time these calls were made, a video of Aremeyaw Anas’ latest exposé, dubbed ‘Galamsey Economy’ compelled President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sack the Minister of State in Charge of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, from office.
Charles Adu Boahen alleged on video that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia needs just USD 200,000 as an ‘appearance fee’ and some positions from an investor for his siblings to get his backing and influence in establishing a business in Ghana.
A few days before the budget reading, the leadership of the New Patriotic Party called on the aggrieved members not to boycott the budget reading.
They obliged this plea and showed up in their numbers for the budget.
Joe Wise overturns major decision by Alban Bagbin again
On February 22, 2022, the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei Owusu, threw out a motion by the minority for a bipartisan committee to look into the government’s COVID-19 expenditure.
This is after the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, had admitted the motion before leaving his chair for the First Deputy Speaker to continue with proceedings in the chamber on the day.
It is not the first time the First Deputy Speaker has overturned a decision by the Speaker of Parliament.
Motion by Minority to probe COVID-19 expenditure
On February 22, the Minority in Parliament presented a memo to the House seeking to probe the government’s expenditure on COVID-19 from 2020.
The motion, championed by three members of the minority, proposed, “that this house constitutes a bi-partisan parliamentary committee chaired by a member of the minority caucus, to enquire into the expenditures made by the Ghana Government in relation to COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020.”
Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader; Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, Minority Chief Whip; and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, were the proposed members.
The motion was presented and read by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as he outlined the need for the house to probe the expenditure.
Ato Forson stated that an amount of 1.2 billion Ghana cedis was approved by parliament to support the Coronavirus alleviation program, but the government is yet to account for their expenditure, even though they exceeded the approved amount to 8.2 billion Ghana cedis.
Seconding the motion, the Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, added that the health ministry, per the 2021 budget review, was only able to account for an amount of 600 million Ghana cedis.
However, before the debate could continue, Speaker Alban Bagbin requested that the Deputy First Speaker take the chair, leaving the actual debate in the hands of Joseph Osei Owusu.
After the motion was seconded, the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, raised a preliminary objection to the motion.
He described the motion as baseless and urged the sit-in Speaker to reject the motion.
Making reference to Article 187 of the Constitution, he indicated that the Auditor General is the best person to investigate the matter and not any other committee.
Ruling on the motion, Joe Wise said the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, should not have admitted the motion.
“My view is that the motion ought not to have been admitted and it is improperly before the house. I so rule,” he said.
On March 29, the Minority Members of Parliament staged a walk-out before the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) Bill 2021 was passed.
The walkout occurred after the House had concluded the debate on the bill and the Speaker was to put the question on the motion for the adoption of the Finance
The Committee’s report in 2.4 million, approximately eight per cent of the population, were registered as personal income taxpayers.
Prior to the walking out, the minority had complained that the E-Levy bill consideration came as a surprise as it was not listed in Parliament’s business statement for the week.
However the bill was passed after the 137 MPs of the Minority side of Parliament staged a walkout of the Chamber, on the grounds that they did not want to be associated with any further proceedings on or approval of the bill, which was being considered under a certificate of urgency.
He claims that Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensa-Bonsu told him about this during an interview.
Despite the fact that he said Adwoa Safo did not specify a return date, it is anticipated that she will travel for the Christmas season.
“She has left again; she has informed Majority Leader and Leader mentioned it during an interview with him. She will spend Christmas but until then, we do not know when she will return,” Kwame Nrkumah Tikese said on his Ade Akye Abia show Saturday morning.
After returning from the US on November 11, Adwoa Safo formally took up her parliamentary responsibilities again.
Since the 2022 budget was approved on November 26, 2021, Sarah Adwoa Safo has not been a member of the House.
The MP returned when Speaker of the House Alban Bagbin ordered on October 26, 2022, that the report of the committee formed to investigate her case and the cases of two other MPs who missed several sessions be brought before the entire house for discussion.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader, objected to the committee report’s admissibility for the house to consider, but Alban Bagbin overruled him.
“As I have noted in this ruling, the decision (sic) on not to admit a motion is the exclusive preserve of the Speaker. In view of the foregoing, the House is well within its right to receive and consider reports of the committee and make a determination arising out of the consideration.
“In the circumstances, it is my ruling that the motion was rightfully admitted and the report of the committee is subject to the consideration of the house. It goes without saying that the (sic) objection of the Majority Leader today (sic) is hereby dismissed…” he concluded his verdict.
It will be recalled that on July 29, 2022, a day after parliament adjourned its first decision to determine the fate of the Dome Kwabenya MP, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sacked her as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
In a statement, the president said the revocation of the MP’s appointment as minister was to take immediate effect.
“In accordance with article 81(a) of the Constitution, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has revoked the appointment of Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, with immediate effect.
“The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, will continue to act as caretaker Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, until such a time that President Akufo-Addo appoints a substantive Minister,” the statement from the Presidency concluded.
Sarah Adwoa Safo has been in the United States of America since 2021.
However, barely two weeks following her return, she is reported to have left the country again.
Residents of the Dome-Kwabenya constituency feel indifferent about their member of parliament, Adwoa Safo, following her return to parliament.
According to some residents, after abandoning the constituency for about a year, Adwoa Safo’s return does not mean anything to them.
They mentioned that they feel disrespected by the MP while others stated that they were unaware she is back in the country.
Speaking to www.ghanaweb.com, the residents seemed to have regretted voting for the MP while accusing her of being irresponsible.
One resident said “both Adwoa Safo and other government officials are not acting responsibly; because if this country was their sole property, will they leave the country and return as they please? As if nothing happened? If I talk more, I may say something offensive. She’s doing as she pleases.”
Another resident said “we woke up at dawn and left everything including our businesses to vote for her. A first fool they say is not a fool but the second fool is. If we go and vote for her again it means we are the fools. We voted for her based on her promises but they were all lies.”
The former Minister for Gender, Women, and Children’s Affairs who was living in the USA for almost a year before she finally resumed her parliamentary duties on November 11, 2022.
The MP came under scruntiny from the public for ‘neglecting’ her duties for that long.
In subsequent interviews, she indicated that she was in the US to attend to urgent family issues including taking care of her son.
On July 29, 2022, a day after Parliament adjourned its first decision to determine the fate of the Dome Kwabenya MP, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sacked her as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Residents of the Dome-Kwabenya constituency feel indifferent about their member of parliament, Adwoa Safo, following her return to parliament.
According to some residents, after abandoning the constituency for about a year, Adwoa Safo‘s return does not mean anything to them.
They mentioned that they feel disrespected by the MP while others stated that they were unaware she is back in the country.
Speaking to www.ghanaweb.com, the residents seemed to have regretted voting for the MP while accusing her of being irresponsible.
One resident said “both Adwoa Safo and other government officials are not acting responsibly; because if this country was their sole property, will they leave the country and return as they please? As if nothing happened? If I talk more, I may say something offensive. She’s doing as she pleases.”
Another resident said “we woke up at dawn and left everything including our businesses to vote for her. A first fool they say is not a fool but the second fool is. If we go and vote for her again it means we are the fools. We voted for her based on her promises but they were all lies.”
The former Minister for Gender, Women, and Children’s Affairs who was living in the USA for almost a year before she finally resumed her parliamentary duties on November 11, 2022.
The MP came under scruntiny from the public for ‘neglecting’ her duties for that long.
In subsequent interviews, she indicated that she was in the US to attend to urgent family issues including taking care of her son.
On July 29, 2022, a day after Parliament adjourned its first decision to determine the fate of the Dome Kwabenya MP, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sacked her as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Some Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed varied opinions to the Speaker of Parliament’s ruling on the fate of some three Members of the house over absenteeism.
The Speaker, Alban Bagbin’s on Wednesday referred the report of the Privileges Committee asking for the declaration of the seat of the MP for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo and two others as vacant to the plenary for a determination on the matter.
In his ruling, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin said, “the preliminary objection for the admissibility of the report is hereby dismissed in limine.”
Members are divided over the ruling. Whilst the Majority which is pushing for the seats to be declared thinks the Speaker erred in his ruling, the Minority side believes the Speaker’s decision is apt.
“The Speaker was presiding, and the Privileges Committee is a Committee of the house so once it is charged to go and do something, the recommendation of the committee shall be in the form of a report to be presented to the house which they have done so clearly, so what the speaker is saying is that, the right thing must be done”, one of the MPs said.
The three MPs are Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assin Central; Henry Quartey, MP for Ayawaso West, and Adwoa Safo; MP for Dome Kwabenya.
They had been referred to the Privileges Committee for absenting themselves from Parliament beyond the permissible period without any reason.
The Majority in Parliament has been pushing to have Adwoa Safo vacate her seat because she has been out of the country for most parts of the year.
Kennedy Agyapong and Henry Quartey appeared before the committee and attributed their absence to ill health, but Adwoa Safo failed to honour the summons and the option of a virtual appearance.
“The Committee cannot take a decision, they have come to the plenary for a debate on its report then a decision is taken, so I think that, the Speaker is on the right path”, another legislator suggested.
The Majority was left upset with the Speaker of Parliament’s ruling and said it would challenge it with a substantive motion.
The Majority Leader, on the floor of Parliament, further accused the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, of pandering to the Minority in Parliament, which has been opposed to making the Dome Kwabenya seat vacant.
One other opined, “as a member of the committee, it is the Speaker that has to make that decision and not the house debating it.”
Speaker Alban Bagbin made the ruling today, arguing that the Privileges Committee report is not final.
The Privileges Committee recommended that the 40-year-old’s seat is declared vacant for failing to provide an explanation for her absence.
Delivering the much-anticipated ruling, the Speaker noted that the report of the Committee must be placed before the whole House for a decision to be made.
“It is for the House that will go through it because the mandate given to an MP, representation is so crucial that it cannot be left to the subjective view of any person or group of people but the whole house,” Speaker Bagbin said on the floor on Wednesday.
This did not go down well with the Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. The Majority Leader who doubles as the Suame MP said the ruling is unfortunate.
“I am expressing my discomfort with this unfortunate ruling that you have made. I totally disagree. I think it doesn’t sit with the Constitution and with your own earlier statements that you made in this House relating to those same things. Very inconsistent,” he retorted.
This reaction caused a clash between himself and the Speaker who did not take the comment lightly.
Alban Bagbin demanded a retraction to which the MP reluctantly obliged.
According to the Speaker, they will both remain friends despite their positions in the House.
Ordinarily, there shouldn’t be anything special about the day, Wednesday, October 26, 2022, but politically, Ghanaians would have two major things to look out for.
Coincidentally too, these two things concern members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
It becomes even more relevant because of the many relationships that a lot of people are drawing between all the things happening in the United Kingdom at present, and why Ghana should take cues from it.
For more clarity, in the last week in the UK, Prime Minister, Liz Truss succumbed to mounting pressure from parliament and tendered in her resignation, making her the shortest-serving Prime Minister ever.
Days after, British-born Indian Member of Parliament for Richmond, Rishi Sunak, made history by being elected the first person of colour and the youngest in the last 200 years to be PM of the UK.
The fate of Ken Ofori-Atta in the balance:
In Ghana, calls are already mounting for the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, to be sacked, or, as other people have suggested, he should resign.
And that is one of the reasons Ghanaians should be interested in the happenings of Wednesday, October 26.
A day before – Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Ghanaians got the shock of their lives when news emerged that some 80 Members of Parliament from the Majority Caucus (whose government is in power) called for Ken Ofori-Atta to be sacked.
The MPs, most of whom are backbenchers, stated that this was a simple scenario of doing the bidding of their constituents and nothing else.
“Most of the majority caucus came to this decision because it is what our constituents wanted. This is not something we wanted to do but it is what the people who voted for us, our constituents wanted. This was not by a rebel group in the caucus.
“There is a lot of pressure on us. If you go to your constituency office and you listen to the concerns of your constituents it is very disheartening. Just yesterday, three women visited my office and they were crying while narrating how they had lost their businesses because the price of a gallon of oil they used to purchase for GH¢60 [600] is now selling for GH¢1000.
“The other MPs also shared their experience and we saw that it all boils down to the same thing. So, this is how we came to the decision that we have to let the president know what our constituents want. We had to let him know, otherwise, our people will not listen to us if we go to them again,” Ahenkrorah said in a radio interview on Neat FM.
The 80 MPs also stated in their press briefing that should President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo fail to heed to their call, they will henceforth make government business in parliament a difficult one for him.
They added that they will begin by absenting themselves from the reading and participation in the 2023 budget statement in parliament.
Although President Nana Akufo-Addo held a late meeting with the NPP MPs calling for the sack of Ken Ofori-Atta, asking them to allow the minister to seal the IMF deal first, it is the hope of many that the minister would make an announcement on his own before close of day.
Speaker to determine fate of Sarah Adwoa Safo:
News of the fate or otherwise of the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is no longer a big news but the decision that will be made by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, is one many are looking forward to.
It will be recalled that since 2021, there have been many calls for the MP to make clear her stance in her political position, both as MP and as minister, but she never did come clear on it.
As a major first step, and after many attempts to get her to fall in line, President Akufo-Addo sacked her as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Having been away from Ghana for the greater part of 2021 and 2022, many have also wondered how it is that she is able to execute her work as an MP in absentia.
Calls have been made for her seat to be declared vacant, among others, though the decision by parliament has taken some time, it appears a finality will be brought to the subject when parliament sits on Wednesday.
Giving his assurances of delivering his final verdict on the fate of the MP on this day, many people are looking forward to what that ruling would be.
The last time parliament was to determine the fate of Sarah Adwoa Safo, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, speaking during the last sitting of the third meeting of this eighth parliament, said he would not want to make a hasty decision.
He therefore informed the House that on resumption for the fourth sitting of this parliament, he would deliver his verdict on the matter.
“I have consulted the old lady. The old lady has given me an advice and I think that advice is clear because the issues raised by the Majority Leader is both substantive and procedural law and I need time to submit to this House a reasoned, written ruling.
“I cannot in the haste of today, give you the ruling. In the circumstances, I’d urge this House for us to call it a day,” he said.
It is also worth mentioning that the call for the seat of Dome-Kwabenya to be declared vacant was made by the NPP MPs, knowing very well that it is the seat of one of their members.
The events of the day are surely expected to be interesting.
Parliament is still yet to determine the fate of Dome Kwabenya MP, Adwoa Safo, although Speaker Alban Bagbin pledged to give his ruling when the House returned from recess.
The House has resumed sitting and the Speaker has failed to bring finality to the matter.
Speaker Alban Bagbinon Wednesday ruled that the report of the committee set up to look into the case of the MP and two others who absented themselves for a number of sittings should be presented before the whole house to be debated.
He, therefore, dismissed the objection of the Majority Leader to the admissibility of the committee report for the consideration of the house.
“As I have noted in this ruling, the decision (sic) on not to admit a motion is the exclusive preserve of the Speaker. In view of the foregoing, the House is well within its right to receive and consider reports of the committee and make a determine arising out of the consideration.
“In the circumstances, it is my ruling that the motion was rightfully admitted and the report of the committee is subject to the consideration of the house. It goes without saying that the (sic) objection of the Majority Leader today (sic) is hereby dismissed…” he concluded his verdict.
Adwoa Safo and her two other colleagues, Kennedy Agyapong and Henry Quartey were reported to the Privileges Committee for their absence in Parliament.
Mr Agyapong and Quartey appeared before the Committee to provide reasons behind their absence but Adwoa Safo failed to.
Sarah Adwoa Safo was scheduled to appear before the Committee on May 27, 2022.
Speaking to the media on the said day, she explained that she had not been served any notice to appear before the Committee, and further attributed her absence to the medical attention she was giving to her son living in the United States of America.
Adwoa Safo no longer Gender Minister
President Akufo-Addo on Thursday, July 28, 2022, relieved Sarah Adwoa Safo of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with Article 81(a) of the constitution.
He has appointed the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, as the new Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Until her approval from Parliament, Cecilia Dapaah, who is the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, remains the caretaker minister.
Lariba Zuweira Abudu is currently the Deputy Minister for Gender.
Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, joined the list of politicians who wished Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia a happy 59th birthday.
The Vice President on Friday, October 7 marked his birthday with a celebration at his residence with some cured lepers from the Weija Leprosarium and prominent personalities, particularly politicians.
In a Facebook post, Adwoa Safo shared a picture of the Vice President with the caption: “Stride into 59 Years of Allah’s Fulfilment and Greatness, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia”.
About Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia was born on October 7, 1963, in Tamale to the late Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, former Chairman of the Council of State (1992–2000), and Hajia Mariama Bawumia.
Born into a large family, Mahamudu Bawumia was the twelfth of his father’s 18 children and the second of his mother’s five. Mahamudu Bawumia attended the Sakasaka Primary school in Tamale and gained admission to Tamale Secondary School in 1975. He was President of the Ghana United Nations Students’ Association (GUNSA) in 1981.
After graduating from Tamale Secondary School, he went to the United Kingdom where he studied banking and obtained the Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma (ACIB). He took a First Class Honours Degree in Economics at Buckingham University in 1987.
He then obtained a master’s degree in Economics at Lincoln College, Oxford, and obtained a Ph.D. in Economics at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1995.
His areas of specialization include Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics, and Monetary Policy. He has numerous publications.
He became an economist and banker by training and went on to serve as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana between 2006 and 2009.
Dr. Bawumia was running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 and 2012 elections which they lost. He became Vice President on his third attempt with Nana Akufo-Addo after winning the 2016 and 2020 elections.
President Akufo-Addo has relieved Sarah Adwoa Safo of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The Presidency announced Adwoa Safo’s dismissal in a press statement on Thursday, July 28, signed by the Communications Director, Eugene Arhin.
Per the statement “In accordance with Article 81(a) of the constitution, the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revoked the appointment of Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, Member of Parliament for Dome- Kwabenya, as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, with immediate effect.”
The Presidency in its report failed to provide the reason behind Sarah Adwoa Safo’s dismissal.
However, Ghanaians have been calling for the head of the Dome Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo for some time now.
This is because Sarah Adwoa Safo has been unable to carry out her duties as substantive minister since her appointment.
She has been outside the country for close to a year addressing issues concerning her family.
It is therefore believed her absence is the reason for her dismissal.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Cecelia Abena Dapaah, will carry out her duties as Caretaker Minister until such a time President Akufo-Addo appoints a substantive Minister, the statement added.
On the other hand, Sarah Adwoa Safo risks losing her position as the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya.
She has failed to honour any of the two invitations from the Privileges Committee of Parliament to answer questions on why she broke the 15 sittings rule of the House.
On Thursday, the Majority and Minority groups in Parliament discussed the fate of the legislator.
The majority of members on the Privileges Committee want the seat of Dome-Kwabenyalegislator, Sarah Adwoa Safo to be declared vacant.
This is according to copies of the Committee report that has been laid and sighted by JoyNews.
Per the report, Sarah Adwoa Safo has been afforded the opportunity to explain the rationale behind her absence from the House.
However, she has failed to utilise these opportunities afforded as to why she should not lose her seat.
“…the Majority, was of the view that, Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo failed to take advantage of the numerous opportunities and facilities offered her to provide reasonable explanation to the Committee with regard to her absence without leave,†portions of the committee report indicated.
Parliament is yet to deliberate on the matter and take a final decision on the report.
Political witch hunt
Sarah Adwoa Safo, on July 17, opened up about the ordeal she is facing in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to her, she has become a victim of a sustained political witch-hunt by certain elements in the NPP and in Parliament for their own parochial goals.
Ms Safoexpressed shock about how she is being treated differently by people, including members of her party for staying away from official duty in order to attend to personal issues involving her child.
She expressed surprise about not enjoying the famous support of her party leadership both in Parliament and at the party level in her most difficult moments.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu disagrees
The Majority Leader in Parliament expressed his disappointment with Dome-Kwabenya MP for accusing the caucus of witch-hunting her.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the comments made by Mrs. Safo are unfortunate.
According to him, he personally has sent several messages to his colleague without any response.
“I am surprised if she says leadership is witch-hunting her. I think it is the most unfortunate and regrettable statement. For the past two months, I have not been engaging because I have sent numerous messages to her and she has not responded,†he said.
The government of Ghana has awarded a contract for the Dome-Kitase road rehabilitation project in the Greater Accra Region to the First Sky Group.
The $1.65 million project, which will cover 23 kilometers, will start from the Dome Roundabout in the Greater Accra Region and end at Kitase, near Peduase in the Eastern Region.
The road project is a legacy of the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo who lobbied and championed its approval when she was the Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament in 2019.
It was also a campaign promise she made to the people of Dome-Kwabenya during her quest to be elected for a third term in 2020, amidst doubts by some constituency executives of the NPP.
Earlier, there were concerns in the constituency about whether the cost-intensive project will come to fruition or not.
These reservations were due to the numerous projects that government has already begun in the constituency.
However, the project has been approved along with the expansion of the Atomic Roundabout to the Atomic Down road for which work has already commenced.
Meanwhile, several other ongoing projects in the constituency are expected to be advanced despite her continuous absence from the country.
The Dome-Kitase road project which is scheduled for completion in 24 months, is being sponsored by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the Government of Ghana.
It will include a 16.3km two-lane single carriageway with asphaltic concrete surfacing, the provision of 2.8km asphaltic concrete surfacing dual carriageway arterial with auxiliary lanes on both sides for drop off/pick up and the provision of a one-km two-lane single carriageway for Ashesi University, also with asphaltic concrete surfacing.
Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, ranking member on the Privileges Committee of Parliament has said he is completely baffled as to why the Executive arm of government has refused to take a decision against Gender Minister Sarah Adwoa Safo after months of abandoning her ministerial duties and staying outside of Ghana.
Speaking on the KeyPoints show on TV3 Saturday, he said, “What baffles me is that; let’s take the parliamentary role of Hon. Adwoa Safo out of the whole thing, supposing she was just a Minister appointed by the President; we know in our constitution if you can’t do the work resign, fine, but what would have been the procedure at the Executive end in dealing with this matter?”
He continued, “The Executive is silent on this, it’s as if now the Executive is waiting for Parliament to bring some finality to this for them to be able to act, and I find it quite baffling.”
He added, “So I’m saying if she wasn’t a Member of Parliament, what are the laid downs? Because the Executive don’t have Privileges Committee or Privileges Ministry, maybe they should think of having one in the future.
He quizzed, “I’m really wondering what’s going on at that end, but it’s been going on for some time now. I would like to know what sort of excuse leave if any, that the honourable has submitted to the Executive which I’m not privy to?”
Mr. Ricketts-Hagan made these comments on the back of the failure of the embattled Dome-Kwabenya MP to appear before the Privileges Committee of Parliament.
Ms Safo is among three legislators who have been dragged before the Privileges Committee to answer questions about their long absence from the House.
She was summoned through the media after failed attempts to reach her.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu directed that the summons be published publicly as she had been unreachable.
The Privileges Committee has been tasked by the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin, to engage Adwoa Safo, Kennedy Agyapong and Henry Quartey over complaints of chronic absenteeism brought against them.
Meanwhile, Adwoa Safo had explained in a previous interview she granted Joy News, that she was in the United States and had not been served any invitation from the committee.
Some residents of the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, have disclosed a protest will be held against their Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo.
According to them, the purpose of the protest is due to her long absence in the constituency.
They explained that Adwoa Safo’s long absence in the constituency is having an effect on the constituency as there has been no development since she left.
The spokesperson for the group, Mr. Andy Kamkam, in an interview with Accra FM said the long absence of the MP has become a source of worry to the residents.
“We demand some modicum of respect from our MP. This is not a matter of the NDC or NPP but about the development of the Constituency. The NPP can resolve whatever issues with Adwoa Safo at the party level but we, by right are demanding to know the whereabouts of our MP,†He said.
Adwao Safo, who doubles as the Gender Minister, has been absent from the House all through the beginning of the year.
Her absence has prevented the Majority from getting the full numbers to push for the passage of certain bills, particularly the E-Levy.
The Majority Chief Whip, on Friday, March 18, called out the Dome-Kwabenya MP for holding the government to ransom.
He told Joy FM in an interview that his colleague MP should bow her head in shame for frustrating government business in Parliament.
“She has no basis whatsoever to behave the way she is behaving, I have been quiet, tolerant and diplomatic about this whole happening relative to Adwoa Safo, but the way it is going, she is blackmailing the entire system, which is most unfair,†he said.
Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has revealed that the embattled Member of Parliament for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Ms. Sarah Adwoa Safo, has written to Speaker Alban Bagbin seeking permission to absent herself for an additional four weeks.
According to Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, he has received a letter dated 28 February 2022 from the MP, who is also the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, seeking permission from the Speaker to absent herself from Parliament for four more weeks.
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs was quick to add that the letter was not addressed to him but to the Speaker.
“I was only copied in the letterâ€, he explained.
The Suame MP added that the reason Adwoa Safo was assigned to her request is that her daughter is not well and going through physiotherapy after recuperating from an ailment.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the Speaker has not discussed the content of the said permission request with him.
The Majority Leader also took the opportunity to correct a statement attributed to First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and MP for the Bekwai Constituency, Mr Joe Osei-Owusu to that effect that he (Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu) had indicated to him (Joe Osei-Owusu) in a conversation that Adwoa Safo had instructed that she should not be called but only sent text messages.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said there had never been any such instruction from the Dome Kwabenya MP.
“I think it was a wrong impression the First Deputy Speaker got in my interaction with him over Adwoa Safo’s absence from Parliamentâ€, he stressed in an interview with Accra-based Neat FM today, Thursday, 3 March 2022.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Adoo has extended the leave of Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, it was explained that Ms Safo’s leave was to have ended September 30, 2021.
Adwoa Safo had sought leave of absence for personal reasons.
“In her absence and until further notice, President Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah to act as caretaker Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection,” the statement added.
The Minister-designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection Lawyer Sarah Adwoa Safo has pledged to put in place measures to protect victims of violent crimes including rape and defilement.
Lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu, the MP for Madina asked she would do support victims of violent crimes especially girls who are unable to pay for the medical bills in the case of rape and defilement before they seek justice.
The nominee, in answering said when she gets the nod, she would put in place policies to ensure that the law is fully implemented.
He said the Domestic Violence Act and the Criminal Code are there to protect victims and punish offenders.
According to her, the demand for money before, rape and other sexually assaulted victims are examined, is deterring many from seeking justice.
The nominee wants to leave a legacy behind by impacting the lives of many especially the vulnerable in society.
Meanwhile, she has pledged to initiate moves to ensure the construction of recreational centres in all the regions we have in the country.
She further promised to lead the course to have the Aged Bill passed to seek the welfare of the aged in society.
Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo has denied ever betraying the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the voting exercise that sought to elect the Speaker for the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic.
Mrs. Adwoa Safo was one of the names that popped up as NPP MPs suspected to have voted for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominee Alban Bgabin instead of NPP’s Mike Ocquaye Snr. as the Speaker.
Some social media users, particularly, were of the view that Adwoa Safo had done so to revenge after Prof. Ocquaye son’s contested her in the NPP primaries.
But reacting to the rumors and allegations, the Dome-Kwabenya MP says she feels betrayed about such indictments.
“I think I feel betrayed. We are all surprised about the outcome of the election and as a parliamentary group. I think that reorganizing ourselves to see how we will be able to carry out government business when the need arises is what is important,” she was quoted to have said in a Mynewsgh report.
Touching on which side currently has the Majority in Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo said:
“We in the NPP are the majority in Parliament. We have the Fomena Member of Parliament (MP) who went Independent and he has willingly come onto our side and he is now the Second Deputy Speaker of the house. No Matter how slim the numbers are in our constitution there is still a simple majority and for us, we have a simple majority.
“I think whether it was proposed by the NDC or NPP, you saw where the Member of Parliament sat on the day of proceedings and he sat on the side of the NPP and for me, that is a clear indication of where his loyalty and allegiance is. Moving forward there are a number of seats that are being contested, we believe by the close of all these court cases there will be an outcome that will give us more majority than we have.â€
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for a recount of votes at Dome-Kwabenya Constituency collation centre in the Greater Accra Region on suspicions of over voting
The alleged over voting is believed to have taken place at the polling station 2 in Shepherd Scholars Preparatory School.
The NDC polling agents called for a recount after all was set for the declaration of the results at the collation centre.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party(NPP) has described those allegations as false, adding that calls for a recount needless.
The Dome-Kwabenya constituency is keenly contested by the Deputy Majority leader Sarah Adwoa Sarfo and the National Democratic Congress candidate Elikplim Akurugu.
The Dome-Kwabenya constituency is keenly contested by the Deputy Majority leader Sarah Adwoa Sarfo and the National Democratic Congress candidate Elikplim Akurugu.
Ghana’s voting ended on Monday in 38,622 polling stations within the 16 regions across Ghana.
They cast their ballots in the general election to elect a president and 275 members of the parliament.
The voting process was generally peacefully except for two persons sustaining gunshot wounds after a shooting incident in one of the polling stations in Kasoa.
The tampering of presidential ballot papers in some polling stations in two constituencies was also witnessed, but the EC reacted swiftly.
The EC has assured the public it will declare the results within 24 hours after the end of voting.
Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya constituency, Hon. Lawyer Adwoa Safo, has launched the Dome-Kwabenya 2020 Manifesto dubbed; “Leadership of Service, Protecting Our Progress,Transforming Ghana For All, Dome-Kwabenya In Perspetive” in Accra.
According to Adwoa Safo, the manifesto is a compendium of projects undertaken under the last 8 years of her tenure and what she seeks to achieve in the next fours years.
The manifesto also highlights key government programs and projects in Dome-Kwabenya.
She explained, the idea for the ‘Dome-Kwabenya Manifesto’ was born out of the premise of breaking down the 2020 NPP manifesto to make it applicable to the lives of her constituents.
Hon Adwoa Safo was joined by Hon. Janet Tulasi Mensah, MCE Ga East, Constituency Executives led by Chairman Robert Osei Bonsu, Dome-Kwabenya Campaign Team, Chiefs, Imams, Polling Station Executives and the rank and file of the party in Dome-Kwabenya.
Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has rebuked the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for protecting some Members of Parliament (MPs) by ensuring they contested the party’s primaries unopposed.
Sitting MPs in some constituencies were unanimously not contested by any person during the primaries that ended on Saturday, making them have an easy ride to be re-elected to represent the NPP in Parliament.
Among the MPs that went unopposed were the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu for Suame constituency, Manhyia South MP and Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, William Owuraku Aidoo for Afigya Kwabre South, Francis Manu Adabor, Ahafo Ano South East, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Bosomtwe and MP for Afigya Kwabre East, Ms Mavis Nkansah Boadu who was the only female MP that went unopposed among others.
But the seasoned journalist believes even if the party deems it suitable for some members to go unopposed, although he is against such decision, it should however cover all others.
He thus wondered why the Dome-Kwabenya MP and Deputy Majoriy Leader, Adwoa Safo wasn’t protected by the NPP leadership if indeed it’s a sound judgement for some MPs to go unopposed.
Lawyer Adwoa Safo won the primaries by polling 496 votes while her competitor who is the son of the Speaker of Parliament and Ghana’s High Commissioner to India, Lawyer Mike Ocquaye Jnr polled 488 votes.
Speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme, Kwesi Pratt asked the NPP leadership “why didn’t they protect Adwoa Safo? Because Adwoa Safo is not an ordinary MP but also a Deputy Majority Leader who does her work effectively. So, while we were protecting, why didn’t anybody give Adwoa Safo any protection as well?”
He, therefore, advised the NPP to give a fair opportunity for every eligible person within the party to contest the primaries.
Member of Parliament, Lawyer Adwoa Safo shed tears bitterly after visiting her father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.
The female lawyer and member of parliament, Lawyer Adwo Safo beat off stiff competition from the speaker of parliament’s son, Mike Ocquaye to win Dome Kwabenya west PC contest.
The renowned member of parliament, Lawyer Adwoa Safo is the daughter of the famous car manufacturer and a gospel leader, Apostle Kwadwo Safo. The female lawyer visited her old age father after she won the contest and the member of parliament was caught on camera crying after she came out of her father’s house.
The member of Parliament, Lawyer Adwoa Safo shed tears bitterly after she came out of her father’s house, many who witness the incident were saying that, she was crying out of joy.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo has distributed items to hospitals, Police Stations, taxi and Trotro stations and markets within the constituency to help fight COVID-19 in the wake of the outbreak in the country.
The MP distributed the items which included Veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, hand wipes, tissues, spirits, disinfectants and safety materials on Friday, 27 March 2020.
Ghana has so far recorded 141 cases, 5 deaths and 2 recoveries.
Government in order to prevent further spread of the deadly virus has placed a ban on all public gatherings and has announced a partial lockdown in the Greater Accra Region, Kumasi and Kasoa effective Monday, 30 March 2020.
The items were distributed to complement the recent disinfection of all markets within the constituency and the Greater Accra Region.
The MP was grateful that the constituency had not recorded any case of COVID-19 so far and urged the constituents to stay home while observing social distancing, hand washing and the directives of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has reassured residents that the selected projects within her constituency to be completed within a year.
The legislator, during her tour in the Ga East Municipal Assembly, said: “the contract period for the roads is a year, the bridges six months or less. We are very hopeful that the contractors will do a good thing and work within the time frame. But there is a lot I know that is coming in this year.â€
She also applauded authorities for amicably resolving disputes arising from the breakdown of houses and properties to pave way for redevelopment projects.
She reassured residents whose areas have not received projects to not be worried as ongoing projects are in the pipeline.
Among the projects include Taifa Gye Nyame drains construction, Taifa Bankyease drains construction, Taifa Obohene Down drains construction, Kaiser Valley (Dome-Taifa Link Road) drains construction, Dome Crossing drains construction, Culvert and Proposed Footbridge Construction at Dome Hamburg School Area, Kwabenya road boundary, Abokobi-Teiman, Abokobi-Agbogba Road Construction, and Pantang Landfill-Agbogba road construction.
The Auditor-General has hinted of plans to disallow and surcharge underserving GETfund scholarship beneficiaries.
A performance audit report of the Auditor-General on the administration of scholarships by GETFund from 2012 to 2018 revealed that some politicians, lecturers and media personalities benefitted from the scheme, a policy meant for needy but brilliant students.
The Education Minister, Mathew Opoku Prempeh is listed as studying National and International Security at Harvard University, receiving $12,800 for living expenses and $11,200 as tuition fees.
Procurement Minister Sarah Adwoa Safo is also listed studying at the Harvard Kennedy School enjoying $12,800 in allowances with $17,004 in tuition fees.
Dr. Armah is studying Philosophy in Education at the University of Aberdeen, which comes with a benefit of £38,400 for living expenses in addition to £33,000 for tuition fees.
In the report, Auditor-General said they may disallow and surcharged the individuals involved.
“The Auditor-General in accordance with article 187(7)(b) will serve the GETFund with a notice of the intention to disallow items of expenditure (the granting of scholarships) contrary to Section (2)(b) of of the GETFund Act, 2000 (Act 581) and may proceed to surcharge.”
Some ministers in the Akufo-Addo government and other government appointees have been listed as beneficiaries of GETFund scholarships, which are meant for needy but brilliant students.
A performance audit report of the Auditor-General on the administration of scholarships by GETFund revealed that Education Minister Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, Procurement Minister and Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo as well as the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Prince Hamidu Armah have all benefitted from the scheme.
The Education Minister is listed as studying National and International Security at Harvard University, receiving $12,800 for living expenses and $11,200 as tuition fees.
Procurement Minister Sarah Adwoa Safo is also listed studying at the Harvard Kennedy School enjoying $12,800 in allowances with $17,004 in tuition fees.
Dr. Armah is studying Philosophy in Education at the University of Aberdeen, which comes with a benefit of £38,400 for living expense in addition to £33,000 for tuition fees.
Reacting to the list, Kunbungu MP, Ras Mubarak posted on Facebook saying: “Some ministers in the Akufo-Addo government and other government appointees have been listed as beneficiaries of GETFund scholarships, which are meant for needy but brilliant students.â€
Meanwhile, former Metro TV journalist, Hajia Ramana Shareef whose name is part of the list has said the monies were never paid.
“So this country called Ghana, why at all are we so wicked to ourselves. You put my name on a list of scholarships beneficiaries, which you never paid! So who took the money? I am so angry right now. Samson Anyenini, please I need to talk to you urgently,†she wrote on Facebook.
