The Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Dome-Kwabenya in Accra, Robert Osei-Bonsu has said that there are no obstacles preventing the current Member of Parliament (MP), Sarah Adwoa Safo, from seeking re-election in 2024.

He affirmed that the NPP as a democratic party would not impede any party member, including Ms. Safo from participating in the party's parliamentary primary when nominations open in constituencies with incumbent MPs.

According to a schedule of the party, nominations are set to open on December 20, 2023, and close on January 4, 2024, in constituencies where the NPP has sitting MPs. The subsequent primary election is scheduled for February 24, 2024.

While responding to Ms. Safo's decision to run for re-election as the MP for Dome-Kwabenya during an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Osei-Bonsu explained that she must adhere to the party's processes for selecting parliamentary candidates.

This process includes vetting after filing her nomination.

He noted that although the Dome-Kwabenya MP has served as a three-term MP for the constituency, her eligibility for a fourth term depends on the party’s decision.

“For her going for re-election, it will depend on what the party will say during her vetting and the constituents.”

Ms. Safo, who has been in Parliament since 2012, publicly announced her intentions to seek re-election while speaking to journalists during a constituency tour.

Her decision followed a public apology she issued to President Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr Bawumia and the NPP leadership in a video posted on her Facebook page last week, acknowledging her actions that had affected the party.

The Dome-Kwabenya MP’s absence from Parliament and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, where she served as the Minister for nearly a year had drawn attention and condemnation.

She was referred to the Privileges Committee of Parliament by Speaker Alban Bagbin for her prolonged absence without permission, contrary to what the 1992 Constitution mandates. Despite the summons, Ms. Safo failed to appear before the committee.

The Privileges Committee decided to let the entire plenary determine her fate after considering her absenteeism. Following a debate on the committee's report in Parliament, Speaker Bagbin deferred his ruling on Ms. Safo's situation.

The decision at hand was whether the Dome-Kwabenya seat should be declared vacant due to her failure to respond to the Privileges Committee's summons regarding her prolonged absence.

Speaker Bagbin indicated that he required time to prepare a written ruling on the matter.