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Tag: Sarah Adwoa Safo

  • Funeral of Apostle Kwadwo Safo slated for July 30

    Funeral of Apostle Kwadwo Safo slated for July 30

    The Kantanka family has announced July 30 as the date for the burial of  renowned inventor, industrialist and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Kwadwo Safo.

    In a formal statement issued by the family head, Head of the Kantanka Family, Sarah Adwoa Safo, together with the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Funeral Planning Committee, the funeral will be held in a three-day programme to honour the inventor.

    The burial service is scheduled to be held at  Gomoa Mpota, a town located in the Central Region of Ghana, along the Winneba–Kasoa highway.

    Following the 3-day programme a national farewell ceremony will be held at Independence Square on Friday, 31 July, which will see the presence of dignitaries, traditional leaders, church members, industrialists, and admirers from across Ghana and beyond.

    The final rites will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Saturday, 1 August 2026, at Jackson Park in celebration of his life and legacy.

    Death of Apostle Safo

    Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as “Kantanka,” passed away on September 11, 2025, at the age of 77. The renowned Ghanaian industrialist, technologist, philanthropist and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission was reported to have died peacefully, according to a statement issued by his family and signed by his daughter, former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo. The family described him as a visionary innovator and one of Ghana’s foremost technological icons whose contributions to agriculture, industry and philanthropy left a lasting impact on the country.

    Life of Apostle Safo

    Born on August 26, 1948, in Bom (near Kensere) in the Ashanti Region, Apostle Prof. Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka was a revered man of God. His parents were Opanin Yaw Safo and Obaapanin Yaa Amoanimaa. He died at the age of 77.

    His son, Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Jr., is the CEO of Kantanka Group, a pilot, and an entrepreneur. His daughter, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is a politician, lawyer, and former MP and Gender Minister. His other children include Joche Safo (lawyer), Monarch Safo, among others.

    Apostle Kantanka gained recognition as a practical, self-taught innovator in electronics and mechanics. He studied engineering at the Ghana Technical Works Institute, now the Kumasi Technical University. At VALCO and West African Metals, he trained as a welder for three years. He also received honorary academic titles, including an Honorary Professorship (Emeritus) from Alfred Nobel University, Ukraine, in 2019, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Ghana in 1999.

    He went on to establish Ghana’s largest indigenous technology conglomerate, spanning automotive manufacturing, electronics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. In 1994, he founded a Ghanaian-based automotive company that designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells luxury cars. The company produces vehicles tailored to African conditions, such as the Onantefo and pickups like the Omama. Some of his vehicles feature voice-activated systems and remote ignition.

    Beyond automobiles, he built impressive futuristic machines, many of which were exhibited at the Apostle Safo Technology Research Centre in Gomoa Mpota. He also established a religious movement, Kristo Asafo, an independent church, which began as a prayer group in 1969 and was transformed into a Church on 3rd February 1971.

    The church is a member of the Sabbath Association of Ghana. Within the church, both members and non-members have acquired diverse skills across different professions and trades, including carpentry, welding, and mechanics.

  • NPP betrayed my father despite his support – Adwoa Safo

    NPP betrayed my father despite his support – Adwoa Safo

    Former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of betraying her father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, despite his unwavering support for the party.

    She alleged that under the NPP administration, her father’s businesses were deliberately targeted and collapsed, despite his significant contributions to the party over the years.

    Speaking in an interview on Okay FM on March 24, 2025, Adwoa Safo disclosed that one of her father’s key businesses, Imperial Express, a transport company, was demolished in Accra on the orders of the Jubilee House.

    According to her, she personally reached out to the then Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, for answers but was told the directive came from “above.”

    “In my own government, I called, and the regional minister told me it was an order from above. They destroyed my father’s business without any notice. I am not afraid to say it—it was Henry Quartey. I called him, and he told me it was an order from above,” she stated.

    She lamented that the land, which previously housed her father’s thriving transport business, remains undeveloped years after the demolition.

    “The land is just sitting there, fenced and empty. They destroyed my father’s business, but nothing useful has been done with the land. What was the point?” she questioned.

    Adwoa Safo further criticized the government for what she described as unfair treatment of her father’s businesses, highlighting that his support for the NPP had been instrumental in the party’s election campaigns.

    “They destroyed my father’s business. It was the same buses that we used to transport voters. In 2012, we used them to move voters from other regions to support the party,” she revealed.

    She also accused the government of harassing her father with false tax evasion claims, despite his full compliance with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    “The government frustrated my father’s business, accusing him of tax evasion when he was following all the GRA’s rules. He had done nothing wrong,” she insisted.

    Clarifying the status of the land where her father operated, Adwoa Safo explained that it belonged to the government, but her father had been legally renting it.

    “The land belongs to the government, and we were paying rent. It was given to us by Hon. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye,” she disclosed.

    Her revelations have sparked discussions about the treatment of businesses linked to individuals affiliated with political parties, raising concerns over how political loyalty is rewarded or punished in Ghana’s governance system.

  • Video: Adwoa Safo jams to King Paluta’s ‘Makoma’

    Video: Adwoa Safo jams to King Paluta’s ‘Makoma’

    Sarah Adwoa Safo, the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, recently captured attention in a viral video where she was seen energetically performing to King Paluta’s hit “Makoma.”

    At a New Patriotic Party (NPP) campaign event, Safo lip-synced to the song with lively dance moves, much to the delight of the crowd.

    Her lively performance, a departure from her usual serious public demeanor, received varied reactions online, with some social media users playfully dubbing her the “entertainment prefect.”

    King Paluta’s “Makoma” has gained notable popularity and has become a recurring feature at NPP campaign events.

    Prominent NPP figures, including Chairman Wontumi and presidential running mate Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh were seen dancing to the song.

    It has become a popular anthem for the ongoing campaigns led by NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Watch below video:

  • Watch daughter of Adwoa Safo captivate audience on US school speech day

    Watch daughter of Adwoa Safo captivate audience on US school speech day

    Daughter of Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo, Daniella Safo-Agyapong celebrated her grandfather, Apostle Kwadwo Safo, during a recent Speech Day at Applewild School.

    In a video posted by her mother, Daniella delivered a three-minute speech on her love for cars, inspired by summers spent at her grandfather’s manufacturing hub in Ghana.

    She shared how the car assembly process taught her valuable lessons in cooperation and leadership.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo expressed pride in her daughter’s achievements and announced Daniella’s admission to Kent School in a heartfelt Facebook post.

    Apostle Kwadwo Safo, leader of the Kristo Asafo mission, is renowned for his emphasis on self-reliance and the importance of hard work and talent development within Africa.

    “Congratulations Daniella Safo-Agyapong and also on your admission to Kent School. Mum, is so so proud of your exploits,” the post concluded.

    Watch the video: bhttps://www.facebook.com/100023560381393/videos/1464280877825144/

    Apostle Kwadwo Safo is leader of the Kristo Asafo mission. He is described on the mission’s website as: “a patriotic African and strong believer in the creation of wealth within the borders of each country rather than relying on foreign aide. Hard work and perseverance are his most cherished words.

    “He always encourages Africans that all hope is not lost, that wisdom is not obsolete, that the optimists have it and always have it, not because they are always right but because they are positive. He teaches that, the way to success is identifying talents, improving on them and applying same to the benefit of society.

  • Video: Celebrities troop to funeral grounds of late fashion designer Pokua Poku

    Video: Celebrities troop to funeral grounds of late fashion designer Pokua Poku

    Energy Minister, Mathew Opoku Prempeh and Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo paid their final respects to the late Ghanaian fashion icon, Pokua Poku Moutiseb.

    Clad in funeral-appropriate black and white attire, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh and Adwoa Safo attended the church service at the Lashibi Funeral Home in Accra.

    Former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Mr. Senyo Hosi, was also seen offering condolences to the grieving family.

    The creative arts industry was represented by prominent figures such as John Dumelo, Cookietie, Jay Foley, and Jasmine Baroundi, among others.

    Colleagues from Achimota School, led by NDC aspiring MP Clarence Amoatey, paid their respects and read a heartfelt tribute.

    Pokua Moutiseb, known professionally as ‘Poqua Poku,’ passed away on February 14 at Lister Hospital shortly after giving birth.

    The 42-year-old designer was laid to rest in a private ceremony on February 26, 2024, in Accra.

    Survived by a husband and three children, her legacy in the Ghanaian fashion industry will be remembered.

    Watch video below:

  • Video: Adwoa Safo spotted having fun in Dubai after losing NPP Primaries

    Video: Adwoa Safo spotted having fun in Dubai after losing NPP Primaries

    A recently surfaced video of Dome-Kwabenya’s Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has captured her enjoying leisure time in Dubai and this drawn a spectrum of reactions on social media.

    Accompanied by her son, Kelvin, Safo was seen exploring the wonders of the Dubai Miracle Garden, taking a break from the political arena after losing her candidacy in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primary to rival Mike Ocquaye Junior.

    Shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by SikaOfficial, the video featured the lawmaker happily announcing her rejuvenating trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    With opinions divided, some social media users expressed that Safo, having lost the recent primary, now has the freedom to travel anywhere globally for a well-deserved vacation.

    Notably, Safo garnered 326 votes in the primary, while Ocquaye secured a commanding victory with 1,104 votes.

    The underdog in the race, Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady, obtained 186 votes.

    Watch video below:

  • “If misplaced priorities was a person” – Netizens drag Adwoa Asafo over National Pledge is ‘gender insensitive’

    “If misplaced priorities was a person” – Netizens drag Adwoa Asafo over National Pledge is ‘gender insensitive’

    Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo stirred controversy by suggesting a revision to the national pledge, sparking criticism on social media.

    Adwoa Safo argued that the phrase ‘toil of our fathers’ in the national pledge was wrong, emphasizing the need for a language change to be more inclusive of women.

    She pointed out the contradiction between referring to Ghana as our ‘motherland’ while only acknowledging the toil of forefathers in the pledge, excluding mothers.

    However, social media users were quick to express their disapproval, with one netizen asserting, “If Misplaced priorities was a person, no one could do it better than this woman.”

    Another comment criticized the proposal as a “Misguided, waste of time, nonsense,” questioning the prioritization of a non-existent issue over other pressing matters before parliament.

    Watch video below and reactions:

  • Adwoa Safo pushes for inclusion of mothers in national pledge

    Adwoa Safo pushes for inclusion of mothers in national pledge

    Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has advocated for the inclusion of mothers in the National Pledge, criticizing the current wording as gender-insensitive.

    During a parliamentary session following the recitation of the National Pledge to commemorate the implementation of the new Standing Orders of Parliament, Adwoa Safo pointed out what she perceived as a glaring omission in the pledge. She highlighted the phrase “through the blood and toil of our fathers,” asserting that it overlooks the significant contributions of mothers to the nation’s progress, branding it a gender-insensitive oversight.

    “Mr. Speaker, the National Pledge, it talks about ‘through the blood and toil of our fathers.’ Mr. Speaker, it omits mothers,” she expressed. “Mr. Speaker, the mothers also toiled for this country. I think that it is gender-insensitive.”

    Adwoa Safo further stressed the importance of acknowledging the role of mothers in shaping the nation’s narrative, particularly in a country where the term “motherland” is commonly used to refer to Ghana. She urged for a more gender-sensitive approach to the National Pledge to reflect the diverse contributions of both genders to the country’s development.

    This statement marks Adwoa Safo’s first public speech since her defeat in the recent NPP primaries. Adwoa Safo, a prominent lawyer and former Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, was surpassed by Mike Oquaye Jnr, who secured 1,194 votes to become the NPP parliamentary candidate for Dome-Kwabenya. Adwoa Safo garnered 328 votes in the election.

    Adwoa Safo’s advocacy for the inclusion of mothers in the National Pledge underscores ongoing discussions about gender representation and inclusivity in Ghanaian society. As the nation continues to progress, stakeholders advocate for measures promoting gender equality and recognizing the contributions of all individuals to national development.

  • Dome-Kwabenya : Sarah Adwoa Safo shares breakfast to delegates

    Dome-Kwabenya : Sarah Adwoa Safo shares breakfast to delegates

    Member of parliament representing Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo showed compassion by providing breakfast hampers to senior delegates taking part in the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary.

    At the Atomic Down Park voting place, the sitting member of parliament and her staff fed the delegates rice porridge and bread to make sure they were full before they cast their votes.

    The heartwarming gesture gained widespread attention on social media platforms, with photos and videos of the breakfast distribution going viral.

    As the NPP parliamentary primary commenced nationwide on Saturday, January 27, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who is seeking re-election, aimed to connect with her constituency ahead of the upcoming 2024 general election.

    While some online reactions expressed appreciation for the MP’s thoughtful act, others voiced scepticism and diverse opinions.

    Critics raised concerns about the transparency of the food distribution, while supporters lauded Safo’s efforts to connect with and win over the delegates through this compassionate gesture.

    This election pits her against a formidable opponent, Michael Oquaye Jnr, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, who narrowly lost to her in the 2020 contest.

    Adding a new dimension to the competition is Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady, introducing fresh dynamics to an already intense race for the Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat.

    See video below:

  • NPP Primaries: Adwoa Safo arrives to cast her vote

    NPP Primaries: Adwoa Safo arrives to cast her vote

    In the ongoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries, incumbent Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has arrived at the polling station today, January 27, 2024, to cast her vote.

    Amidst an atmosphere charged with political fervor, Safo made a grand entrance, greeted by enthusiastic supporters and party members. 

    Dressed in a white apparel, she exuded confidence and determination as she made her way through a group of ready delegates and NPP supporters who pleasantly exchanged handshakes with her.

    Despite ‘her past sins’ as claimed by many (of previously neglecting her constituency to take care of personal issues) the MP is confident of maintaining her seat in the constituency.

  • NPP primaries: MP Adwoa Safo triumphantly casts vote amidst strong competition (Photos)

    NPP primaries: MP Adwoa Safo triumphantly casts vote amidst strong competition (Photos)

    Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Adwoa Safo has confidently exercised her franchise in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries, held at the Atomic Basketball Park on Saturday morning.

    The seasoned MP, seeking re-election, sported a jubilant smile as she navigated the voting process, extending greetings to delegates with a two-sure sign in the air.

    Having narrowly secured victory in the 2020 primaries by eight votes, Adwoa Safo, despite facing challenges regarding her residency in the United States over the past three years, remains determined to retain her seat.

    This election pits her against a formidable opponent, Michael Oquaye Jnr, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, who narrowly lost to her in the 2020 contest.

    Adding a new dimension to the competition is Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the Office of the First Lady, introducing fresh dynamics to an already intense race for the Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat.

    See pictutres below:

  • Pollster Ben Ephson predicts Adwoa Safo’s defeat

    Pollster Ben Ephson predicts Adwoa Safo’s defeat

    Renowned pollster Ben Ephson has forecasted that voters in Dome-Kwabenya are likely to cast their ballots against Member of Parliament Sarah Adwao Safo. This prediction is attributed to her TikTok videos featuring singing and dancing, which Ephson suggests may influence voter sentiment.

    Recalling two videos posted on September 29 and 30, 2021, the Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwao Safo, was observed singing along to gospel songs in the said TikTok clips.

    Within a mere 24 hours of facing accusations of neglecting her duties to constituents, Sarah Adwao Safo deactivated her TikTok account.

    Speaking on the Sunrise show on 3FM Monday, January 22 ahead of the NPP parliamentary primary, Mr Ben Ephson said when asked whether the lawmaker stands a chance of winning as an independent candidate if she loses the primaries and decides to go independent, “If Adwoa Safo goes independent, for the NPP supporters she will perform poorly. When you talk to some of the swing voters, they felt really pissed off by her TikTok dancing. The TikTok dancing was her last straw and most of them refer to it.

    “They felt that the TikTok dancing was like rubbing it on their faces.

    “To go independent, I don’t think that even the swing voters will vote for her, they will really want to punish her.”

  • Voters will punish Adwoa Safo over TikTok video – Ben Ephson

    Voters will punish Adwoa Safo over TikTok video – Ben Ephson

    Renowned pollster Ben Ephson has forecasted that voters in Dome-Kwabenya are likely to cast their ballots against Member of Parliament Sarah Adwao Safo. This prediction is attributed to her TikTok videos featuring singing and dancing, which Ephson suggests may influence voter sentiment.

    Recalling two videos posted on September 29 and 30, 2021, the Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwao Safo, was observed singing along to gospel songs in the said TikTok clips.

    Within a mere 24 hours of facing accusations of neglecting her duties to constituents, Sarah Adwao Safo deactivated her TikTok account.

    Speaking on the Sunrise show on 3FM Monday, January 22 ahead of the NPP parliamentary primary, Mr Ben Ephson said when asked whether the lawmaker stands a chance of winning as an independent candidate if she loses the primaries and decides to go independent, “If Adwoa Safo goes independent, for the NPP supporters she will perform poorly. When you talk to some of the swing voters, they felt really pissed off by her TikTok dancing. The TikTok dancing was her last straw and most of them refer to it.

    “They felt that the TikTok dancing was like rubbing it on their faces.

    “To go independent, I don’t think that even the swing voters will vote for her, they will really want to punish her.”

  • Dome-Kwabenya constituents have forgiven me; they will vote for me again – Adwoa Safo

    Dome-Kwabenya constituents have forgiven me; they will vote for me again – Adwoa Safo

    Incumbent Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has voiced confidence in securing the votes of New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates during the upcoming primaries as well as constituents of Dome Kwabenya in the December 7, 2024 general elections. 

    Her optimism centers on the belief that the delegates will choose her once again to represent the party in the parliamentary elections scheduled for 2024, despite her shortcomings in the previous years.

    In an interview, she noted that she apologised to the people of Dome-Kwabenya for her wrongs and believes the electorate have forgiven her.

    “It takes a woman of courage, it takes a courageous politician to accept that I have done something wrong, forgive me and that is what has touched the hearts of the people of Dome-Kwabenya and I know that they will still vote for me into power,” she said.

    Recall that Adwoa Safo and the leadership of the New Patriotic Party were not in alignment, following her long absence from Parliamentary and other official duties.  

    Also, some NPP executives of the Constituency had earlier said they were not going to support Sarah Adwoa Safo in her quest to contest the seat again on the ticket of the party.

    This is in reaction to the apology rendered by the MP to the party and residents of the Constituency Thursday, September 14, 2023.

    However, in a subsequent interview, the party’s General Secretary in the Dome-Kwabenya constituency, Theophilus Ansah Larbi, insisted that after engagements with  some of the constituents, they made it clear to him that they will not support Adwoa Safo if she offers herself to be MP again.

    “I am a leader of the party and a delegate, you represent a group of people, so you have to go to the people, ask the people what they want and you do what they want, not what you want. So as a leader of the party, I have gone to the ground and asked people what type of person and what kind of person they want us to bring this time round. So they all rally behind us, so we can keep our space and what they are telling us is; for what Hon. Adwoa has done within her three terms as an MP, I think there should be a cap point and that is what I am saying. So, if I mean well for the party, then there’s no point I will support her bid,” the General Secretary for the constituency emphasized.

    He holds the conviction that, for the party to retain the Dome-Kwabenya Parliamentary seat, they have to get a new representative and not Adwoa Safo.

    “The last election, all these things Hon. Adwoa Safo  has been doing started before the elections and [she] didn’t help in the campaign, didn’t do anything after the election and she went away after the election and coming back to apologise, yes, apologies well taken but I don’t think if we give the seat back to Adwoa Safo, the vote of the NDC will [not] increase again which [we] wouldn’t like going into 2024, because the last election, NDC has never gotten 50,000 votes in Dome-Kwabenya before, but for the first time they got it because of certain attitude our MP put before the Constituency,” Mr. Ansah Larbi stated.

  • NPP Primaries: Sarah Adwoa Safo (MP) and Mike Oquaye Jnr share a warm hug after voting

    NPP Primaries: Sarah Adwoa Safo (MP) and Mike Oquaye Jnr share a warm hug after voting

    In a display of party unity and personal reconciliation, Member of Parliament for the Dome-Kwabenya constituency Sarah Adwoa Safo, and Mike Oquaye Jnr, shared a warm embrace after casting their votes in the New Patriotic Party primaries.

    This poignant moment comes after the widely reported tensions that surfaced between the two prior to the 2020 elections.

    During the lead-up to the 2020 elections, Safo and Oquaye Jnr were competitors for the Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat, leading to a naturally competitive atmosphere.

    However, despite the past rivalry, the current primaries saw the two figures setting aside previous differences, highlighting the party’s overarching aim for solidarity ahead of national elections.

    The gesture between Safo and Oquaye Jnr has been seen as a significant step towards healing past divisions, showcasing the importance of unity within the party’s ranks.

    It sends a powerful message to supporters and members alike, emphasizing that personal past conflicts are secondary to the collective goals of the NPP.

  • We still love NPP, not Adwoa Safo – Dome market woman declares

    We still love NPP, not Adwoa Safo – Dome market woman declares

    A staunch supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a trader at the Dome market in Accra, has publicly declared her decision to never vote for Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya constituency, Adwoa Safo, again. 

    “All we are saying this … I am a full NPP member. Solid. And we voted for you Adwoa.. because we love you, but what you did to us was not good at all. We voted for you so you will come and take care of us. That is why we seriously rallied behind you. But … since you chose to treat us this way, then we say we are tired. Adwoa says she is tired, so she should sit down. They should change her for us. As for NPP we love the party, we haven’t stopped. But if they don’t know and they bring her back we will vote skirt and top,” the passionate trader declared. 

    This bold statement comes amidst a growing sentiment among traders in the area, who have expressed their disappointment in Adwoa Safo’s performance as their representative.

    The sentiment among the market women has been simmering for several months, with traders collectively voicing their concerns about Safo’s apparent failure to fulfill her duties to the people of Dome Kwabenya. 

    The sentiment appears to be shared widely, as one market woman pointedly asked, “When we voted for Adwoa Safo, what did she do for us? She has done nothing, and we have never seen her since the election.”

    This dissatisfaction reached its peak in September when Adwoa Safo issued a public apology for her extended absence from her parliamentary duties. While she expressed regret and acknowledged her unjustified actions, the apology did not seem to satisfy the constituents fully. The NPP constituency Secretary for Dome-Kwabenya, Theophilus Larbi, described her apology as habitual and indicated that her re-election as a parliamentary candidate could negatively impact the party’s prospects in the constituency.

    Larbi emphasized the sentiment of the majority, stating that if Adwoa Safo were to return, many constituents would not vote for the party. He highlighted that residents were weary of her repeated absences from Parliament and her lack of communication with her constituents. They believed that her actions had damaged the party’s reputation in the constituency and that she should not be re-elected as a parliamentary candidate.

    However, opinions among Dome-Kwabenya constituents appear divided on this matter. While some are willing to accept Safo’s apology and give her another chance, others firmly believe it’s time to explore other candidates. One constituent expressed frustration with the perceived neglect of the constituency, remarking, “Adwoa Safo’s administration is very poor; you see her around only during election time with ‘macho’ men.” Another constituent emphasized the need for change, stating, “The MPs are many; we want them to be downsized.”

    The Dome Market woman’s declaration not to vote for Adwoa Safo again reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with her performance as an MP in the Dome Kwabenya constituency, despite her affiliation with the NPP. 

    The MP’s apology seemed not to have entirely quelled the concerns of constituents, as such, the constituency appears to be divided on whether to give her another chance or seek new representation.

  • Adwoa Safo extends condolences to the Kufuor family


    The Member of Parliament for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo has expressed her condolences to former President John Agyekum Kufuor and his family in the wake of the passing of his wife, Mrs. Theresa Kufuor.

    In a post on Instagram, she remembered the former First Lady’s impactful tenure, filled with beautiful memories and legacies. Mrs. Kufuor passed away at the age of 87 in her home in Peduase, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, October 1.

    Check out her post

  • 2020 GETFund scholarship list for politicians that provoked #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters

    2020 GETFund scholarship list for politicians that provoked #OccupyJulorbiHouse protesters

    Amid the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests, a group of online activists took on the task of bolstering the call for action and the demands of the protesters by sharing government-backed data.

    This data encompassed economic indicators, employment statistics, government intervention programs, and the expenditures of the executive branch of the government.

    These activists used the official hashtag #OccupyJulorbiHouse to disseminate this information through retweets and shares.

    However, one particular dataset triggered a significant and widespread reaction. This dataset originated from a 2020 list compiled by the scholarship secretariat.

    The source of outrage was the inclusion of current Members of Parliament (MPs) and individuals with political affiliations who had received substantial sums of money through these scholarships.

    Many individuals, seemingly encountering the GETFund Scholarships report by the Auditor-General for the first time, expressed vehement criticism toward the political elite for seemingly profiting from the hardships of the populace.

    Among the MPs who faced renewed scrutiny were Sarah Adwoa Safo, the representative for Dome Kwabenya, who received $30,000 for attending a Harvard conference.

    Similarly, Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Employment and Labour Relations Minister Ignatius Baffour-Awuah were also found to have received funds for various programs.

    The reactions to this revelation were as follows:

    “Whenever I see this list and notice certain names, I am filled with irrepressible rage. The niece of the Minister of Finance, who we were told was as rich as Mansa Musa, was given a scholarship designed for brilliant and needy Ghanaians,” an X user posted.

  • How Adwoa Safo lost her baby and faced family crisis – PA reveals shocking details behind long absence

    How Adwoa Safo lost her baby and faced family crisis – PA reveals shocking details behind long absence

    An aide to the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Seth Osei Kissi, has unveiled the harrowing reasons behind the MP, Adwoa Safo‘s extended absence from Parliament several months ago.

    According to Mr Kissi, who also serves as the Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation for Ga East Municipal Assembly, the MP has faced a series of heartbreaking setbacks since 2020, compelling her to take a much-needed break from her roles as a legislator and gender minister.

    As he recounted the distressing events, Mr Kissi revealed, “In the run-up to the 2020 elections, we learned that Hon Adwoa Safo was expecting a child. Tragically, she suffered a stillbirth after giving birth. It’s a heartbreaking situation, and she might have even lost her own life if not for divine intervention.”

    But the challenges did not end there. While grappling with the emotional turmoil of her stillbirth, Adwoa Safo received a devastating call from the United States concerning one of her children. She has both a son and a daughter in the US, and the call conveyed the distressing news that her son had fallen seriously ill, facing the prospect of permanent disability. In response, she immediately traveled abroad to be with him. However, upon her arrival, another heart-wrenching challenge emerged—she was confronted with the looming possibility of losing custody of her children.

    “Imagine experiencing a stillbirth, nearly losing your own life, and then being told that your child is gravely ill, potentially facing a life-altering disability. And to compound the anguish, there were threats of losing custody of your children. Where does one find the strength to cope with such an overwhelming ordeal?” Mr Kissi emotionally narrated during an interview with Top FM.

    Adwoa Safo, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, publicly extended her heartfelt apologies on Thursday, September 14, to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), particularly President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and other party officials.

    In her statement, she attributed her extended absence from Parliament, during which her seat remained vacant, to personal and family issues. Her absence had stirred controversies, leading to difficulties for the ruling party in securing the necessary numbers for voting on critical bills in Parliament. This turmoil resulted in Adwoa Safo becoming the target of heavy criticism, with some calling for her removal as a minister and the declaration of her seat as vacant.

    Although she was subsequently relieved of her ministerial position, Adwoa Safo has made a triumphant return to Parliament after several months and has declared her intention to seek re-election in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    Adwoa Safo’s aide, Mr Kissi, acknowledged that the MP had been overwhelmed by the gravity of her personal challenges. He also noted that her failure to effectively communicate the situation to Ghanaians in a timely manner had contributed to the public outcry she is currently facing. Nevertheless, Mr Kissi expressed his belief that Adwoa Safo’s recent apology was a positive step, and he appealed to Ghanaians, her party members, and constituents to empathize with her plight and extend their forgiveness.

  • NPP executive angrily dismisses Adwoa Safo’s public apology, reveals more ‘secrets’

    NPP executive angrily dismisses Adwoa Safo’s public apology, reveals more ‘secrets’

    The Deputy National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jennifer Oforiwaah Queen, has voiced her frustrations concerning the conduct of Sarah Adwoa Safo, the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya.

    Adwoa Safo faced intense scrutiny for her prolonged nine-month absence from parliamentary and government duties. This absence ultimately led to her removal from her position as the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, as well as calls for her ousting as an MP.

    Upon her return to the country, Sarah Adwoa Safo expressed her intention to seek re-election to parliament and issued an apology to both the NPP and her constituents for her previous behavior.

    Jennifer Oforiwaah Queen conveyed the disappointment of constituents who feel let down by the MP’s actions towards the constituency. She underlined that Adwoa Safo would not have been elected without the support of her constituents.

    Additionally, Queen pointed out a recurring pattern in the MP’s behavior over the years. She noted, “In 2012, after winning the elections, she left the constituency without explanation, and the same pattern repeated in 2016 and 2020.”

    With regard to Adwoa Safo’s role as the former Minister of Gender, Queen raised concerns about her performance, saying, “She was responsible for issues concerning children on the streets, women facing rape and abuse, and recent cases of rape and murder. I haven’t seen any significant actions during her time in office.”

    Queen also recounted an incident involving the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, whom she referred to as Maa Frema. According to her, Maa Frema paid a visit to Adwoa Safo’s home but was made to wait for four hours.

    Jennifer Oforiwaah Queen expressed her disappointment in Adwoa Safo’s failure to consider her party affiliation, stating, “I expected this girl to come and apologize. That’s what she always does. She should have thought about the fact that she belongs to a political party.”

    Jenifer Queen’s qualm towards Sarah Adwoa Safo stems from the MP’s extended absence from parliamentary duties, perceived neglect of her constituency, and concerns about her performance during her tenure as the former Minister of Gender.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM5hiW_oSrs
  • ‘I beg you in the name of God’ – Adwoa Safo pleads for forgiveness after long absence

    ‘I beg you in the name of God’ – Adwoa Safo pleads for forgiveness after long absence

    Member of Parliament for the Dome-Kwabenya constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has finally opened up on the reasons behind her long absence from parliament and has begged for forgiveness from her party and its leaders.

    She said that she had some personal and family issues that prevented her from performing her parliamentary duties and that she did not intend to disrespect or disregard anyone.

    Adwoa Safo, who is also a former Minister of State in charge of Public Procurement and a former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, had been missing from parliament for about a year, which sparked speculations and criticisms from the public and some members of her party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    She returned to parliament briefly in November 2022, after spending about eight months away, but left again shortly after and did not report to parliament in 2023 until February 2023.

    Today, in a heartfelt address in a video that has since gone viral, she expressed deep remorse for her actions and sought forgiveness from various quarters within her party and the broader political community.

    “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,” Adwoa Safo stated.

    Addressing her fellow Members of Parliament in the majority caucus, she continued, “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.

    Adwoa Safe during a birthday celebration for her father, Apostle Dr. Eng. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka (Founder of Kristo Asafo Missions of Ghana) on August 22, 2023
    Image credit Sarah Adwoa Safe (Facebook)

    Adwoa Safo did not stop there, extending her apology to her regional executives, constituency executives, and the NPP headquarters. She also reached out to the party’s supporters and sympathizers who have consistently shown faith in her and the party.

    “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,” she implored.

    Concluding her address, Adwoa Safo affirmed her love for Ghana and her dedication to serving the country, emphasizing her commitment to her role as the MP for Dome-Kwabenya.

    The MP’s public plea for forgiveness comes as a significant development in her political career, and the response from her party and the public remains to be seen as they assess the sincerity of her apology and the reasons for her extended absence from parliamentary duties.

    Read a transcript of her statement below.

    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.”

  • ‘I did not mean to disrespect you’ – Adwoa Safo apologises to Ghanaians

    ‘I did not mean to disrespect you’ – Adwoa Safo apologises to Ghanaians

    The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has rendered an apology to the Ghanaian populace for her absence and inactivity during her tenure as a lawmaker and minister.

    In a broadcast that has gone viral on social media, the former Gender Minister 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 in Dome-Kwabenya.

    In her message, Adwoa Safo noted that the harm that she caused was not out of malice and not deliberate.

    “I want to use this opportunity to apologize to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). I want to apologize to President Akufo-Addo and his Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Chief of Staff, Frema Opare, Majority Leader and the entire leadership of Parliament.

    “Some years ago, I displayed some actions which were disrespectful but they were not deliberate. It was not out of malice. A lot of things were happening in my life and family. I ask you in the name of God Almighty to forgive me.

    “My constituency executives, supporters, sympathizers, I’m sorry,” she said.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo had been in the United States for over a year (since November 2021), looking after her children, especially one who, according to her, required particular care due to medical concerns.

    Due to this, she was not able to fulfill her mandate as a Member of Parliament and a Minister of State.

    Due to her prolonged absence, Adwoa Safo was referred to the Privileges Committee with two other MPs, Henry Quartey of Ayawaso Central and Kennedy Agyapong of Assin North for violating Standing Order 17(1) of Parliament and Article 97(1)(c) of the Constitution for being absent for 15 sittings.

    Several attempts to meet the MP failed due to a lack of receipts. On the matter, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described Adwoa Safo’s absence as concerning in an interview with Okay FM, urging that she leave her position if she has no information about her return to parliament.

    On May 22, 2022, Adwoa Safo engaged the press to explain the reason behind her absence.

    She cited the well being of her son as the primary reason for her stay in the United States.

    “As you know, my son is unwell and has to transition to school, so I have to ensure that all that is settled before I can resume my duties and that is exactly what I am doing.”

    “I have been doing a lot to take care of my children which the law requires and as you know here in the foreign land, I have to comply with whatever I am directed to do and until all that is sorted out, I have to do what I have to do, and then I will return to my duties.”

    “I will be returning definitely to serve my people. I lead and serve the people of Dome-Kwabenya and I have done that for the past 12 years and I know exactly what my responsibilities are, and I am definitely going to do that,” she told JoyNews.

    According to her, she had informed the President of her predicament.

    On Thursday, July 28, 2022, President Akufo-Addo 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.

    In response, she thanked the President for the honour given her to serve her country.

    Although she got sacked as a Minister, her removal as an MP did not materialise as Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, deferred his ruling on the Dome Kwabenya MP after the Privileges Committee delivered a split decision on the fate of Adwoa Safo who finally made an appearance before the Committee.

    On November 22, 2022, Adwoa Safo was sighted in Parliament following her absence since the House approved the 2022 budget in November 2021.

    Some citizens believe the recent apology by the Dome Kwabenya MP is due to the New Patriotic Party’s Primaries slated for November 4. Adwoa Safo is seeking re-election for the upcoming 2024 elections, according to her aide, Seth Osei Kissi.

  • Adwoa Safo commences preparations for re-election in NPP Primaries

    Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has commenced groundwork for seeking re-election in the upcoming New Patriotic Party parliamentary primaries.

    This development comes despite her supposed dip in popularity among her constituents following her persistent absence from parliament after the 2020 election.

    Speaking in an interview with Rainbow Radio, Seth Osei Kissi, the Chief of Staff to the MP, revealed that Adwoa Safo has started consultations with various stakeholders ahead of the upcoming internal contest.

    He stated that the MP has already met with the youth and women organizers in the constituency and will soon meet with the organizers, secretaries, and leaders to inform them of her intention to run again.

    Kissi claimed that her meetings so far have been positive and that the delegates have declared a ‘No Adwoa Safo, No Vote’ campaign.Her Chief of Staff further revealed the reasons behind the MP’s absence from the country during crucial times when her party needed her to vote on bills.Describing her absence as unintentional, Kissi revealed that Adwoa Safo “was pregnant and had to travel to give birth, but unfortunately, she lost the child during childbirth.

  • Akufo-Addo, Adwoa Safo in a hearty handshake despite ‘bad blood’

    Akufo-Addo, Adwoa Safo in a hearty handshake despite ‘bad blood’

    President Akufo-Addo and Member of Parliament for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, were captured in an amicable posture during the commissioning of the Kwabenya Police Barracks. 

    The two were spotted exchanging pleasantries at the commissioning of the facility which took place on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. 

    It was speculated that there was bad blood between the two following a series of events that occurred within the party. 

    Adwoa Safo had been absent from Parliament for over a year and was not present to vote on crucial policies proposed by the government. 

    She was allegedly not communicating with her party during her absence and this generated a lot of contention between party members and herself. She was accused of deliberately sabotaging the party because she lost her position as Deputy Majority leader. Some MPs on the Majority side were also calling for her resignation since her long absence from official duties was having a toll on the operations of the Majority Caucus in Parliament. 

    Despite duly informing the President of her absence and requesting for leave (through a letter) which was granted and later extended (indefinitely) upon her request, she was accused by the Majority Caucus in Parliament of not informing the House of her absence. 

    She finally appeared on JoyNews explaining the cause of her long absence, attributing it to family issues. 

    “As you know, my son is unwell and has to transition to school, so I have to ensure that all that is settled before I can resume my duties and that is exactly what I am doing,” she said. Months later, she was dismissed by President Akufo-Addo as Gender Minister. It appears both of them are on good terms after all these events.

    At a colourful event to commission for use the newly constructed Dome Kwabenya Police Barracks, the President can be seen holding the hand of the MP in a handshake, with a broad smile. The MP coyly returns the smile.

    Meanwhile, Adwoa Safo has pledged her renewed commitment to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. She made this known at a meeting with the leadership of the NPP at the party headquarters.

  • Cheers, hugs as Adwoa Safo returns to Parliament

    Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo was warmly welcomed back to parliament by her colleague female MPs from both sides of the House.

    This follows her absence from the chamber last week.

    On yet another occasion, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker missed sitting in parliament when the majority caucus required her presence for a vote.

    On Friday, March 24, 2023, the House conducted a crucial vote on the approval of some six ministers nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The equality in numbers on both the majority and minority sides of the house meant that every single vote was key in securing the badly needed approval of the nominees.

    This was more important especially when the minority had served a clear notice of adhering to a directive from its party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reject the nominees.

    Adwoa Safo, who had been absent during previous votings, failed to attend the sitting on Friday.

    She, however, returned to the chamber on Monday, March 29, 2023, when the house reconvened.

    In a video shared by Oyerepa TV and sighted by GhanaWeb, the MP beaming with smiles was seen being welcomed back to the House by other female MPs from both the majority and minority.

    Her colleagues took turns to share a hug with the Dome Kwabenya MP amidst the exchange of pleasantries.

    Ahead of the vote on Friday, some NPP members had expressed concerns about the truancy of Adwoa Safo when it comes to critical issues that required her presence.

    Deputy Communications Director of the NPP, Jennifer Queen likened Adwo Safo to an overpampered village girl.

    “One our villages there are small some small girls who grow up to be stubborn and will not listen to anyone. When you ask her to go and bathe, she will not budge. With some twisted hair on her head, she won’t listen to anything and will grow up with such an attitude,” she bemoaned during an interview on Okay FM.

  • Some MPs welcome Adwoa Safo after missing out on the ministerial vote

    Some MPs welcome Adwoa Safo after missing out on the ministerial vote

    Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo was welcomed back to parliament with open arms by her colleague female MPs from both sides of the House following her absence from the chamber last week.

    On yet another occasion, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker missed sitting in parliament when the majority caucus required her presence for a vote.

    On Friday, March 24, 2023, the House conducted a crucial vote on the approval of some six ministers nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The equality in numbers on both the majority and minority sides of the house meant that every single vote was key in securing the badly needed approval of the nominees.

    This was more important especially when the minority had served a clear notice of adhering to a directive from its party, the National Democratic Congress to reject the nominees.

    Adwoa Safo, who had been absent during previous votings, failed to attend the sitting on Friday.

    She, however, returned to the chamber on Monday, March 29, 2023, when the house reconvened.

    In a video shared by Oyerepa TV and sighted by GhanaWeb, the MP beaming with smiles was seen being welcomed back to the House by other female MPs from both the majority and minority.

    Her colleagues took turns to share a hug with the Dome Kwabenya MP amidst the exchange of pleasantries.

    Ahead of the vote on Friday, some NPP members had expressed concerns about the truancy of Adwoa Safo when it comes to critical issues that required her presence.

    Deputy Communications Director of the NPP, Jennifer Queen likened Adwo Safo to an overpampered village girl.

    “One our villages there are small some small girls who grow up to be stubborn and will not listen to anyone. When you ask her to go and bathe, she will not budge. With some twisted hair on her head, she won’t listen to anything and will grow up with such an attitude,” she bemoaned during an interview on Okay FM.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBX_lI822P4

  • Adwoa Safo abandons NPP MPs again

    Dome Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, was no where in sight when Parliament was conducting a secret ballot to determine the fate of President Akufo-Addo’s recent ministerial appointees.

    All members of the House were expected to be in the House to cast their votes on the matter, given the country’s hung Parliament.

    Prior to the vote, the National Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) issued a statement directing all members of the Majority Caucus not to miss the day’s sitting.

    However, the former Gender Minister was no where to be found during the day’s sitting.

    It is unclear her whereabouts or whether she had sought permission to be absent from the sitting but when her name was mentioned by the Speaker, she was not in the House to cast her vote.

    Aside Adwoa Safo, MP for the Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Philip Atta Basoah, was also not in the House.

    With the absence of the two, the President’s nominees are unlikely to be appointed if all the members of the Minority Caucus were present to cast their vote, and did so in accordance with the party’s decision.

  • Dr. Kwaku Oteng escorts daughter to face parliament

    Francisca Oteng Mensah, daughter of Dr. Kwaku Oteng, faced the Appointments Committee of Parliament, on Thursday, December 15, 2022, to be vetted for the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection position.

    The Kwabere East MP is part of the two nominees elected by president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after he revoked the appointment of Sarah Adwoa Safo, who has been absent from work for an extended period.

    Francisca Oteng’s father, who doubles as the Angel Group of Companies founder, was clad in all-white apparel and seated right behind her daughter during the hearing.

    He led the delegation of a team who thronged the venue to support his daughter, who currently stands as the youngest serving MP in the Eight Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

    President Akufo-Addo also nominated the Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, and MP for Walewale, Lariba Zuweira Abudu as Minister-designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection following Adwoa Safo’s exit.

  • I didn’t do well as Speaker in tackling absenteeism among MPs – Mike Oquaye admits

    Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, a former Speaker of Parliament, has admitted that he could not deal with the issue of absenteeism among Members of Parliament (MPs) successfully during his tenure in the seventh parliament.

    He explained that although he attempted to stamp his authority on absenteeism he could not succeed in that action.

    “I admit that I was not successful in dealing with absenteeism within the lawmakers during my tenure as Speaker of Parliament even though I attempted to stamp my authority on the menace,” Prof. Oquaye bemoaned.

    He indicated that regarding the issues involving Sarah Adwoa Safo, the MP for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Henry Quartey, MP for Ayawaso Central Constituency, both in the Greater Accra Region and Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assin Central Constituency in the Central Region, who absented themselves from Parliament for more than 15 days, confessed that he did not really succeed in absenteeism.

    “I must confess that one area which I did not really succeed in is absenteeism in the House, I did not succeed in tackling it and I did not succeed in tackling punctuality but I did it a while and stopped which was unfortunate and also I did not succeed in ensuring that there was even a record of how lawmakers voted,” he said.

    “Members must vote in a certain direction, we had two former Members of Parliament contesting for president, who were John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo unlike United States when Barack Obama’s record was brought out as a Senator but we do not have that in the country.”

    “It is also important to have these issues because you want to know for instance, if you want to be president, what is your record on women and your record on oil,” Prof. Oquaye pointed out.

    He hinted there would be an era where the two sides would have no option but to rely solely on consensus building to get proceedings in Parliament regarding disagreements in the House so as to develop because there would be no alternative to consensus building in relation to the move by the Minority to vote out Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance.

    Source: Ghanaweb 

  • It feels good to be back – Watch Adwoa Safo’s first interview on her return to parliament

    The Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, expressed her delight at returning home and to parliament after being away from the jurisdiction for a long time.

    She explained that on her return, she received a good reception from her colleague MPs in parliament.

    Speaking to journalists after the close of Friday’s, November 11, 2022, proceedings in parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo said that she was happy to be back.

    “I greet all my constituents. As their Member of Parliament, by the grace of God, I have finally returned to the Chamber… the reception has been good… I’m now back to continue my duties and today is the first day and I’m hoping that the subsequent weeks are going to be good.

    “It feels good to be back,” she said.

    The absence of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs from parliamentary work for nearly a year has been a source of contention and several controversies, with her colleagues on the same side of the House pushing for her seat to be declared vacant at one point.

    The MP had also earlier been summoned to appear before the Privileges Committee of Parliament for absenting herself from work for more than the period stated in the constitution, but she failed to show up.

    Also, in her absence, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo terminated her appointment as the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.

  • Adwoa Safo is back in Parliament

    Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, on Friday, November, 11 made an appearance to Parliament after almost a year of being out of the country.

    According to Adwoa Safo, she was out of the country sorting out family issues.

    However, she failed to honour several invitations to account for her 15 days of continuous absence from Parliamentary sittings without permission, as spelt out by Ghana’s constitution.

    As a result, the Privileges Committee went ahead to file their report and a motion for Sarah Adwoa Safo’s seat to be declared vacant was moved.

    The embattled MP whose fate was to be decided on whether her seat be vacated or not, divided the house.

    With the Majority caucus in parliament seeking for her removal, the minority group opposed such moves.

    Ruling the case, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, deferred his verdict on the fate of the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo.

    Unhappy with Speaker’s verdict, the Majority is considering dragging the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to the Supreme Court over his ruling on the Dome-Kwabenya legislator.

    According to the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the ruling was “unfortunate”, saying the Speaker may have misinterpreted the law.

    Meanwhile, Adwoa Safo seems to be blending in easily. She told journalists that “it feels good to be back.”

    “The reception has been great,” the embattled legislator said on Friday, November 11.

    “I’m back as a Member of Parliament to continue my duties and so today is the first day and I am hoping that the subsequent weeks are going to be good”.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

     

  • Adwoa Safo discussing her position with leadership before she resumes duties – Aide

    An aide to the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, Nana Dubin Kwapong, has said that the MP is currently having discussions with the leadership of the majority caucus before she will resume her parliamentary duties.

    Speaking in a Neat FM monitored by GhanaWeb, Dubin Kwapong intimated that the MP is discussing issues surrounding the majority caucus’ push for her to be removed from the House.

    He added that as soon as Adwoa Safo knows her stance, she will start attending to her parliamentary duties.

    “Adwoa Safo has not gone to Parliament since her return. As we all know, there are some issues that have to be resolved regarding whether she will continue as a Member of Parliament or she will be removed.

    “So, in the meantime, she is engaging with the leadership of Parliament so that she will know her stance before she resumes her duties,” he said in Twi.

    Dubin Kwapong further stated that Adwoa Safo has no issues with her colleague MPs who want her removed.

    “If you know honourable, she is not someone who takes things too personal; she has taken everything that happened in good strides. She is now discussing what exactly happened with the leadership, and I am hopeful that something useful will come out of this,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the MP for Tamale Central, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, has said that it was curious that Adwoa Safo’s much-awaited return is coinciding with a vote of censure motion the minority caucus was due to move against Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    According to him, the latest development is akin to the last time she was in Parliament, that is, to help with the passage of the 2022 Budget statement of the government.

    “You know there is an important vote coming up?” Suhuyini asked New Day host Berla Mundi before adding: “The finance minister’s vote of censure, she has showed up. When did she last show up last minute? On the budget.

    “They knew where she was; they could bring her, they just didn’t want to,” he submitted.

  • Adwoa Safo is back to help save Ofori-Atta from censure vote – Suhuyini claims

    Tamale Central Member of Parliament, Alhassan Suhuyini, has advanced a reason why embattled Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is returning to Parliament after a long absence.

    Suhuyini in an interview on TV3, November 8, 2022, said it was curious that the lawmaker’s much-awaited return was coinciding with a vote of censure motion the Minority Caucus was due to move against Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    According to him, the latest development is akin to the last time that she was in Parliament, that is to help with the passage of the 2022 Budget statement of the government.

    “You know there is an important vote coming up?” Suhuyini asked New Day host Berla Mundi before adding: “The finance minister’s vote of censure, she has showed up. When did she last show up last minute? On the budget.

    “They knew where she was, they could bring her, they just didn’t want to,” he submitted.

    “When it is important to this government…remember Adwoa Safo told us the president is aware of her absence and the president understands her and the president has never denied it.

    “For me, it is curious that an important vote is coming up….and the president has found a way and remember the president wants to save the Finance Minister at all costs, Adwoa is back,” he stressed.

    Adwoa Safo makes no-show in Parliament

    On Tuesday, November 8, when proceedings in Parliament started at about 11.38 am, her seat was empty indicating that she was not in the Chamber.

    Journalists and even her colleague MPs were expecting to see her join the debate which was going on at the plenary but that did not happen.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo’s seat remained empty till the end of the day’s proceedings at 2.00 pm.

    It is, however, unclear why the MP, after her return to the country failed to show up in the House.

    The MP was relieved of her ministerial post despite having been given extended leave from last year and her seat in Parliament is the subject of a heated debate between the Speaker and Leader of the Majority Group.

    After referring her absence from Parliament to the Privileges Committee of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament said he investigated their work and was not satisfied with it and has since referred it to the floor of Parliament for a decision to be taken.

  • I’m glued to my seat in Parliament – Adwoa Safo tells constituents

    The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has assured her constituents of her continuous service to them as their representative in the legislature.

    The assurance comes few days after she returned from the United States, when tensions surrounding her political career seem to have abated.

    Madam Sarah Adwoa Safo had been away since early months of 2021 on the back of an excuse to deal some personal issues.

    By October 6, 2021, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, had indicated an indefinite extension of her leave which was supposed to have ended on August 31, 2021.

    Her continuous absence from the country and consequently parliament over the period thus breached parliament’s 15-sitting-day threshold for absenteeism.

    This led to the Speaker’s decision to refer her together with two other MPs to Parliament’s Privileges Committee to inquire into her absence and make recommendations to the House.

    Although efforts to get the embattled MP to speak about her absence have proved futile, the House will in the coming days debate whether or not her seat should be declared vacant.

    That notwithstanding, her actions over the period had also fomented discussions in the public space, creating divisions even among her own constituents and party members, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), some of whom believed that she determined to hold the party and government to ransom.

    But like a Phoenix rising out the ashes, the MP who has been stripped of her responsibilities as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, has indicated that she will remain the lawmaker for the people of Dome-Kwabenya.

    “Thanks to the whole constituency, especially Taifa, for all the prayers and all the support. I know I will be back and I will continue to be your Member of Parliament”, said the former Minister during her thanksgiving at some churches in her constituency on November 6, 2022.

  • NPP MPs threaten to drag Speaker to court over Adwoa Safo ruling

    The majority in parliament claims it is considering taking Alban Bagbin, speaker of the house, to the Supreme Court for his decision about Sarah Adwoa Safo, a member of parliament from Dome-Kwabenya.

    The majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, called the decision “unfortunate” and suggested that the Speaker might have erred in his interpretation of the legislation.

    “If we lend ourselves by what I consider to be a very capricious ruling, then the Supreme Court would be the final arbiter,” he added.

    The issue whether the Dome Kwabenya MP should lose her seat for missing more than 15 sittings must be discussed by the entire House, according to Alban Bagbin’s ruling.

    Her continuous absence from Parliament divided the House with the Majority interestingly taking the view that the Privileges Committee report should be final.

    Majority MPs to drag Bagbin to Supreme Court over Adwoa Safo rulingMajority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

    “As I have noted in this ruling, the decision as to whether or not to admit a motion is the exclusive preserve of the Speaker. In view of the foregoing, the House is well within its rights to receive and consider the report of the Committee and make a determination arising out of the recommendation,” Mr Bagbin ruled.

    But the Suame MP says the Speaker was wrong and they are determined to fight it before the debate.

    “When they [Privileges Committee] have made that determination, it doesn’t come back to Parliament for Parliament to vote on it. So for the Speaker to come in with what I consider very unfortunate interpretation of the Constitution… this is a matter of the interpretation of the Constitution and it can go to the Supreme Court,” he added.

    A day after the Speaker’s ruling, an NPP legislator commenced the process of filing a suit at the Supreme Court to have her seat declared vacant.

    In documents cited by Myjoyonline.com, the MP is praying the Court that by failing to appear before the Privileges Committee to explain her absence from Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo ceases to be a Member of Parliament.

    The Ahafo Ano North MP, Sulemana Adamu Sanid, is contesting the Speaker’s ruling.

    “A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, a member of Parliament who absents himself/herself, without permission in writing of the Speaker and he/she is unable to offer a reasonable explanation to the Parliamentary Committee on privileges, from fifteen sittings of a meeting of Parliament during any period that Parliament has been summoned to meet and continues to meet, automatically forfeits his/her membership of the Parliament of Ghana,” portions of the reliefs read.

    Background

    Before going on recess in July, Mr. Bagbin deferred his ruling on whether the Dome-Kwabenya seat should be declared vacant or not following Madam Safo’s failure to honour an invite by the Privileges Committee on her continuous absence from Parliament.

    Mr. Bagbin, on May 4, referred Madam Safo, Mr. Henry Quartey, MP of Ayawaso Central, and Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP, Assin Central, to the Privileges Committee for absenting themselves from 15 sittings of the House without his permission.

    That was during the First Session of the Eighth Parliament.

    The Committee failed to achieve a consensus in its recommendations on whether absenting herself for more than the mandatory 15 days without permission warranted her seat being declared vacant.

    Majority MPs to drag Bagbin to Supreme Court over Adwoa Safo rulingDome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo

    The Majority, however, wants the seat declared vacant without delay in line with stated constitutional provisions.

    It observed that Madam Safo failed to take advantage of the numerous opportunities to explain her absence without leave.

    Meanwhile, the Majority of MPs on the Committee cited Article 97 (1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution and the Court of Appeal decision in the case of Prof Stephen Kwaku Asare v the Attorney-General & 3 Ors, in this regard.

    The Minority MPs on the Committee, argued that according to the principle of natural justice, the seat should not be declared vacant because Madam Safo did not provide her side of the story to the Committee.

    The Committee, however, determined that the explanation offered by her two colleagues, Mr. Agyepong and Mr. Quartey for absenting themselves, were reasonable.

    A copy of the report made available to the Ghana News Agency before recess, showed that the Committee members gave a split decision on the fate of Madam Safo.

  • 2021 was a challenging year – Adwoa Safo speaks on return to Ghana

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is back in Ghana after close to a year in the United States of America.

    She is back after staying away from her duties as a Member of Parliament for the period amidst criticisms from some colleague MPs and executives of the New Patriotic Party.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo was spotted at a Presbyterian Church in her Constituency on Sunday November 6, 2022 where she was accompanied by some family and friends to thank God for his protection of her life.

    Speaking to the Congregation, Adwoa Safo said she was grateful to God for protecting her life and that of her family stressing that “last year was a very challenging year”.

    The Member of Parliament who doubled as Gender and Social Protection Minister was sacked by the President of Ghana after she failed to show up for her responsibilities.

    Rumors were rife that she had left the country because she did not want the Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister but rather wanted to remain the Deputy Majority leader in Parliament; a position which had been given to Alex Afenyo Markin.

    Meanwhile, after referring her absence from Parliament to the privileges committee of Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament said he investigated their work and was not satisfied with it and has since referred it to the floor of Parliament for a decision to be taken.

    Source:Mynewsgh

  • Adwoa Safo finally returns to Ghana, set to resume parliamentary duties

    The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has reportedly returned to Ghana from her stay in the United States of America.

    According to citinewsroom.com, sources close to Adwoa Safo have indicated that she will be resuming her parliamentary duties soon.

    The MP’s return comes after the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on October 26, 2022, ruled that the report of the committee set up to look into her case and that of two other MPs who absented themselves for a number of sittings should be presented before the whole house for a debate.

    Alban Bagbin dismissed the objection of the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, 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 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.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Are you happy that an MP is going around dancing on TikTok? – Kamal-Deen to NDC MPs

    A New Patriotic Party (NPP) Deputy National Communications Director, Kamal-Deen Abdullai, has berated Members of Parliament (MP) of the minority caucus for blocking the impeachment of their colleague MP for Dome-Kwabenya Sarah Adwoa Safo.

    Kamal-Deen said that the MPs by their actions were doing a lot of disservice to Ghanaians because they are protecting an MP who is being paid for no work.

    He added that the excuse by National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs that Adwoa Safo should be given a chance to explain her absence does not hold water.

    He explained that the MP had refused to appear before the Privileges Committee of the House to give reasons for her absence.

    “Ghana seeks to develop, the constituents of Adwoa Safo are supposed to be served better. Are we happy with what you are seeing? Let us put the law aside and ask ourselves objectively, the people are supposed to have representation in Parliament, through no fault of theirs, their Member of Parliament is somewhere and running on social media … singing and dancing.

    “… we sit here and say use the law. We are going to use the law alright but I am asking, are we not short-changing the people of Dome-Kwabenya? Aren’t we?” he said in a Good Morning Ghana interview monitored by GhanaWeb.

    The NPP communicator further stated that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, ruling that Adwoa Safo fate is to be decided by the plenary after Privileges Committee indicated that she should be removed was wrong.

    He added that the NPP will be exploring all the legal options available to get the NPP removed.

    Alban Bagbin, on October 26, 2022, gave a ruling 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 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.

  • I welcome disagreements – Bagbin on reactions to his ruling on Adwoa Safo

    Speaker Alban Bagbin has said he welcomes dissenting views being expressed on his rulings in the House.

    This comes after he was heavily criticized by the Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu on his ruling to refer Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo to the plenary for debate.

    Addressing a press conference in Accra, Speaker Bagbin said “The Supreme Court sometimes disagrees, sometimes the decision can be unanimous but after a few months they themselves realize they erred. I always welcome disagreement. It is a language that sometimes I feel uncomfortable about but as for the disagreement, it is welcomed.”

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu had told him that his understanding of law on how to handle a lawmaker who has been absent without permission, was wrong.

    Addressing the press after the Speaker’s ruling Adwoa Safo, on Wednesday October 26, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who is lawmaker for Suame said “The Speaker is totally wrong in his understanding of the law, that is why I repeated that he has sent us on a very obsequious path, it doesn’t help Parliament.”

    Mr Bagbin ruled that Parliament will debate on the removal or otherwise of Adwo Safo.

    Delivering his ruling in Parliament on Wednesday October 26, Speaker Bagbin said “The house is well within its right to receive and consider the report from the committee and make a determination.

    “It is my ruling that motion be was rightfully admitted.”

    Sarah Adwoa Safo absented herself for more than the stipulated 15 days.

    The Majority caucus wanted her seat to be declared vacant but this was opposed by the Minority, who felt she should be heard first.

    The Speaker also questioned the authority of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs to declare her seat vacant.

    In March, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu disclosed that Sarah Adwoa Safo had requested a month-long leave from the House.

    Subsequently, the Speaker referred her case and that of two other MPs, namely Henry Quartey, MP for Ayawaso Central and Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assin Central, to the Privileges Committee for hearing.

    Speaker Bagbin, who deferred ruling on the matter before parliament went on recess, promised to do so when sitting resumes.

    In a formal communication to the House on Tuesday, the Speaker noted that because there were few things to transact just after the assumption, he deferred the ruling to Wednesday.

     

  • Your ruling on Adwoa Safo unfortunate, I totally disagree – Majority tells Speaker

    Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has contested Speaker’s decision to allow the plenary to debate the fate of Dome Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP), Sarah Adwoa Safo and two other legislators over absenteeism.

    According to him, the majority is set to challenge the substantive motion if it is brought before the house.

    “I totally disagree with the ruling. It doesn’t sit with the constitution and I must express my discomfort with this unfortunate ruling that has been made because it is very inconsistent. We will come back with a substantive motion to challenge the ruling”, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said on the floor of the House right after the ruling.

    Alban Bagbin on October 26, 2022, gave a ruling 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.

    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.

     

  • Adwoa Safo saved again by Alban Bagbin

    Many Ghanaians, including Members of Parliament on the Majority side, have been left disappointed after the highly-expected ruling by the Speaker of Parliament on the fate of their colleague ended in the balance.

    The Majority MPs, led by the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, had called for the seat of Sarah Adwoa Safo, MP for Dome Kwabenya, to be declared vacant after she failed to appear in parliament for sittings.

    Although the Speaker of Parliament was initially expected to deliver his verdict on the matter in the last meeting of parliament in July 2022, he adjourned it, announcing later that he would give his ruling on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.

    However, when Alban Bagbin did, he gave a ruling 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.

    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.

  • Adwoa Safo to know her fate as parliament resumes

    The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, before the recess, had deferred ruling on the future of the Dome-Kwabenya MP in the House.

    The Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic will resume sitting today, Tuesday, 25 October 2022, after it went on recess in July.

    The House is also expected to determine the fate of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, during today’s sitting.

    The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin, before the recess, had deferred ruling on the future of the Dome-Kwabenya MP in the House following her inability to appear before the Privileges Committee over her absence from Parliament.

    It is also expected that the Appointments Committee will present its report on the nominees of the Supreme Court who were vetted while the House was on recess.

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will also be expected to present before the house, the government’s 2023 budget statement during this session.

    Some eleven bills including the Anti-LGBTQ+Bill will also be considered during this session of the House.

  • Three Akufo-Addo appointees who have been fired recently

    In recent times, government appointees have not been spared for either their poor performance or involvement in corrupt acts.

    Even though there have been several dismissals by Akufo-Addo since he assumed office, Ghanaweb compiles a list of some government appointees who have been sacked in the last quarter of 2022.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo

    In July, 2022, Akufo-Addo relieved Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, of her position as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection.

    Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin, in a July 28, 2022 statement, indicated that the termination of her appointment was in accordance with Article 81 (a) of the Constitution.

    “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 Kwabena, 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 Minster for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, until such a time that President Akufo-Addo appoints a substantive Minister,” the statement read.

    Her dismissal came at a time when Parliament was debating her continuous stay in the house after absenting herself for more than 15 sitting days without approval from the Speaker of Parliament.

    Aside from the above, she was absent in her role as the Gender Minister as she was out of the office for a very long time after she requested an extended leave of duty.

    Customs boss, Col. Damoah

    On August, 2022, president Akufo-Addo asked the Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Colonel Kwadwo Damoah (rtd), to hand over his duties to the acting deputy commissioner.

    In a letter signed by the Secretary to the president, Nana Bediatuo Asante, the notice of handing over was due to the expiration of his contract on October 13, 2021.

    The dismissal of Colonel Kwadwo Damoah (rtd) came at the time he was being investigated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, for his role in corruption-related acts involving Labianca Company Limited.

    A finding from the Office of the Special Prosecutor dated August 3, 2022, and titled: “Report of Investigation into Alleged Commission of Corruption and Corruption Related Offences involving Labianca Group of Companies and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority indicated among other things that the frozen foods company owner used her position to evade taxes.

    Initially, while reacting to the report, the customs boss said any attempts by the Special Prosecutor to bring him down will not work.

    “Three days ago a report purported to be coming from the Office of the Special Prosecutor trying to indict the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and myself [but] anybody who has read that report very well will know the basis of that,” he said while addressing some Senior Customs officers at a retreat in Kumasi.

    “And luckily for Me, God is always on my side, before that report came that person had made a comment to some people who had come to tell me [that] he [Special Prosecutor] was going to publish that will discredit me…and I sent people to go and tell him that he is a small boy and I am older than him, I have lived a meaningful life and if he attempts to destroy me it won’t be easy for him. People have tried and I have survived and this one too I will survive it,” Col Damoah added.

    Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa

    Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, The Director General of Ghana Education Service is the latest victim of the sacked appointees.

    Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa was sacked by the President on October 17, 2022.

    In a letter dated October 17, 2022, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo terminated the appointment of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa.

    This brought the appointment of the GES boss, who was appointed in 2017, to an end.

    According to ges.gov.gh, Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa was appointed as Acting Director-General by President Akufo-Addo in April 2017, and he assumed office on May 15, 2017.

    He was subsequently confirmed as Director-General in October 2017.

  • ‘Stride into 59 years of greatness’ – Adwoa Safo celebrates Bawumia

    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.

  • Adjoa Safo bags postgraduate diploma from University of Nottingham

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya Sarah Adwoa Safo has bagged a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Procurement Law and Policy from the University of Nottingham.

    She took to her Facebook page to announce this achievement with the caption, “What God cannot do does not exist.”

    The lawyer who was the first Minister of State in Charge of Public Procurement in Ghana before her reappointment as Gender Minister has been away from the country for some months now.

    Due to her long absence, the president revoked her appointment as Minister for Gender and Children.

     

  • Adwoa Safo has returned to the United States – Aide

    Nana Dubin Kwapong, an aide to Sarah Adwoa Safo, has said that the troubled MP for Dome Kwabenya has left Ghana once more, contrary to rumors that she had returned after a long absence.

    According to him, the embattled MP will be back when Parliament reconvenes to serve the people of Dome Kwabenya.

    “As we speak, the Honourable Member of Parliament [for Dome Kwabenya] is not in the country, she has gone back to the States and will be back in the country when Parliament reconvenes,” Nana Dubin said in a Joy FM interview on Tuesday, August 16.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo was reported to have returned to the country before Parliament went on recess on July 28, 2022.

    A recent Facebook post by the dismissed Gender Minister left many wondering whether she is returning to the country or not.

    Sharing photos of herself in what appeared to be a private jet while looking excited with a cheerful smile, the MP quoted Psalm 23:5 in her caption, “You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”

    Political witch hunt

    The legislator earlier 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.

    She expressed 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 said she had sacrificed a lot including her family for NPP but she is now being described as a traitor, “and there are schemes to oust me from my position as MP and Minister.”

    Dismissal from Office as a minister of state

    President Akufo-Addo relieved the MP of her ministerial position after staying outside the country for nearly a year amid calls from critics to get her axed.

    A letter signed by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Presidency said, the decision by the President to act on these calls on July 28, was “in accordance with Article 81(a) of the Constitution, the President of the Republic,  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.”

    Constitutional provision

    Article 81 of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that the office of a Minister of State or a Deputy Minister shall become vacant if

    (a) his appointment is revoked by the President; or

    (b) he is elected as Speaker or Deputy Speaker; or

    (c) he resigns from office; or

    (d) he dies

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • My removal as Gender Minister will help me focus on my parliamentary duties Adwoa Safo

    Sarah Adwoa Safo has broken silence following the termination of her appointment as the Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister by President Akufo–Addo.

    According to her, the directive by the President issued on July 28, 2022, will afford her the time to focus on her work as the Member of Parliament for the people of Dome Kwabenya.

    In a letter to the Presidency dated August 5, Sarah Adwoa Safo wrote “Cognizant of my duties to the 75,000 constituents who elected me, this development is opportune and will afford me more time to concentrate on my Parliamentary responsibilities and Constituency engagements as well as consolidate the gains we have made as a government at the Constituency level in our quest to break the eight.”

    President Akufo-Addo in accordance with Article 81 of the 1992 Constitution relieved Sarah Adwoa Safo of her duties as Gender Minister.

    Her dismissal came at time when Ghanaians called on the government to replace Adwoa Safo over her absence from post for over a year due to personal reasons.

    According to the former Gender Minister, it was an honour to serve at “this all-important Ministry albeit for a short time.”

    She also thanked the President for his “understanding, compassion and unending devotion” throughout the period she faced difficulties.

    “Your kind support has been very much welcome and for that I remain eternally grateful,” she added.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo mentioned that during her tenure of office, the Ministry put in place enough mechanisms to ensure a harmonious society where the survival and development of Women, Children, Persons with Disabilities as well as other vulnerable persons in society to transform the Social Protection Framework into a robust and more responsive one.”

    Meanwhile, Sarah Adwoa Safo has revealed that all officials assets provided her have been handed over to the Administrator of the Ministry.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Adwoa Safo assures NPP and Akufo-Addo of her commitment

    The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has reiterated her commitment to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration in the face of what she describes as a “political witchhunt” from within the party.

    Adwoa Safo, also Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months over her absence from her official duties in Parliament.

    She and two other MPS have been investigated for absenting themselves from Parliament without permission for more than the stipulated 15 sitting days during the first meeting of the second session of the 8th Parliament.

    In a Facebook post congratulating newly-elected executives of the party, the Gender Minister said she had “become the victim of a sustained political witchhunt by certain elements in the NPP and in Parliament to achieve their own parochial goals”.

    “This has left me asking myself if this is happening because I am a woman who for just this one time needed some time off to deal with a few personal issues which were too dear to share with the larger publics. In the face of all these, I have questioned why I have had to be treated differently by not enjoying the famous support of our party leadership both in Parliament and at the party level in my most difficult moments these past few months,” she posted.

    “As a member of the party, I have served with utmost diligence (both in opposition and in government) and have at all times put the fortunes of my family at the disposal of the party. At no point in time have myself nor my family withheld anything of ours from our great Party, yet today, I am conveniently being called a traitor and all manner of names with several schemes being put to play and employed to oust me from my position as MP and Minister.

    “I conclude by reiterating that, in the face of clear political hounding and vendetta by certain elements within the party and parliament against me, I have never wavered in my commitment to the ideals and creed of the New Patriotic Party and the Government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, to whom, I am eternally grateful”.

     

    Source: Graphic Online

     

  • Vice President Bawumia speaks on Ghana’s Return to IMF

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is currently speaking at the Accra Business School on the progress of digitalisation in Ghana.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • ‘Missing’ Adwoa Safos conduct disrespectful Privileges Committee

    Sarah Adwoa Safo, Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, has been declared a ‘missing person’ by the Privileges Committee of Parliament after she failed to appear before them.

    Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, Ranking Member on the Committee, had stated in a 3news.com reportage that, the committee feels disrespected by the MP, who doubles as a Cabinet Minister’s decision to ignore their invitation.

    “We have tried everything. When you sign up to be a member here, we have every information on you and including how to find you, your email address, your phone number[s].

    “When you are travelling you also give additional information because your travelling address will not be on your data in Parliament so you provide where you are.

    “So this is the information that is available to us and that is what we have exhausted,” Ricketts-Hagan explained.

    Adwoa Safo, together with two other NPP MPs, Kennedy Agyapong, and Henry Quartey, were hauled before parliament’s privileges committee for failing to attend to the business of the house for over 15 consecutive sittings without proper permission. The two others have since appeared and explained that medical reasons kept them away from the House.

    Source:ghanaweb.com