Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Adwoa Safo, has announced that she will not seek re-election for the parliamentary seat. Speaking in an interview, she revealed that despite her dedication and service to the constituency, she has decided to move on to other aspirations.
Adwoa Safo categorically stated that she would not contest the Dome-Kwabenya seat again, emphasizing that her decision is final. “I have done 12 solid years, and I’ve left a good legacy in the constituency. I will not contest Dome-Kwabenya. I’m moving forward,” she declared.
She attributed her decision to the treatment she received despite her sacrifices. “Considering what I’ve been through, considering how I’ve been treated in the constituency, despite my devotion, despite my sacrifices, despite my hard work, how I’ve been treated, I don’t think so. I won’t,” she stressed. According to Adwoa Safo, only her father could influence her to reconsider, but as it stands, she is focused on new challenges.
Future Ambitions Beyond Parliament
Adwoa Safo expressed interest in exploring higher positions in governance. “I’m looking at other bigger things. I’m looking at speakership, running mates. I’m looking at higher, challenging opportunities,” she stated. She dismissed any speculation that she might be preparing for a comeback, insisting, “When I’m speaking about Dome-Kwabenya, they shouldn’t think it’s a way of preparatory works for me to return. No. I’m moving on.”
She also blamed party executives for her treatment, noting that their actions discouraged her. “If you’re appreciated, it motivates you to do more. If you’re not appreciated and you’re treated like, excuse me to say, a rag, no, I wouldn’t go back there,” she asserted.
Adwoa Safo on the NPP’s Loss in Dome-Kwabenya
Commenting on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss of the Dome-Kwabenya seat in the 2024 elections, Adwoa Safo attributed it to internal party politics. She revealed that before the primaries, she was unfairly branded as unpopular and ungrateful. She said she was branded as somebody that the people will “abhor, that people will reject, that people are not willing to even see my face in the constituency,” she explained.
According to Adwoa Safo, party officials used various tactics to ensure she was removed from the race. She questioned the party’s logic in blaming her for their electoral defeat. “I was supposed to be present at campaign rallies and campaigns in the constituency, and so our defeat is caused by my absence? I don’t see the logic in this.”
Defending Her Commitment to the NPP
Adwoa Safo rejected claims that she abandoned the party during crucial moments. She pointed out that some party members even attempted to have her removed from parliament. ” I was very committed, very hardworking, very meticulous, very detailed,” she affirmed.
She also stressed the importance of setting the record straight about her reputation. “Nobody should tell me I am discussing party issues on TV, radio, I should stop. Reputation is everything that anybody has got,” she insisted. Adwoa Safo argued that the misinformation spread about her has negatively impacted her public image. “Things that were said about me are stuck in the minds of Ghanaians. I’ve been branded the way I’m not supposed to be branded. And I owe it to myself to clear it up,” she said.
Personal Challenges and Their Impact on Her Career
Adwoa Safo shared the personal challenges that affected her tenure. She revealed that during the 2020 elections, she was heavily pregnant and later suffered the loss of her child. She disclosed that she officially notified the relevant authorities, including the Chief of Staff and the President, before traveling.
“As a minister, you can’t travel out without permission. They knew the challenges I was going through,” she said. According to her, she expected understanding from party members but instead faced criticism. “My son was on the verge of death. I had the choice to stay as a mother and take care of my son or take up my position as a Member of Parliament and as a Minister,” she stated.
Adwoa Safo also recounted how she was sidelined within the party, and her appointment as Minister for Gender was revoked around the same period.
