Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has mounted a strong defence of former Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, dismissing claims that he was responsible for the economic challenges recorded under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

Addressing NPP delegates, Adwoa Safo urged party members to disregard narratives blaming Dr Bawumia for economic mismanagement, insisting that his role in key economic decisions was limited.

She maintained that he remains the most suitable candidate to lead the party going forward.

She argued that the shaping and execution of economic policy were largely influenced by other senior officials, particularly the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

Questioning attempts to shift blame onto Dr Bawumia, she asked, “Was Dr Bawumia the finance minister? Were we not in government when some MPs complained that because of the way the economy was being mismanaged, the finance minister should be changed? Didn’t he damage everything before he was changed? So how can we blame this on Bawumia?”

Adwoa Safo stressed that Dr Bawumia did not have the authority to override decisions taken at the highest levels of government.

Using a metaphor to illustrate her point, she said, “He was only the driver’s mate and could not overrule the driver, even if the driver was not performing well.”

Her remarks come amid criticisms from some flagbearer aspirants in the ongoing NPP presidential race, who have attributed the party’s economic record in government to Dr Bawumia.

The NPP is expected to elect its presidential candidate on January 31, 2026, ahead of the next general elections, with Dr Bawumia among five contenders vying for the party’s flagbearer position.