Former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has openly declared her political allegiance to Vice-President Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as the central pillar of her political future as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for a critical leadership transition.

Addressing party delegates and supporters, Ms Adwoa Safo made an appeal for unity, introspection and strategic thinking within the party. “It is time for Bawumia,” she said.

She stressed that political ambition is natural and legitimate for all party members.

“I am a politician, and Honourable Kennedy Agyapong is also a politician. In the same way that Honourable Ken has his own opinions and ambitions, I also have my opinions, and I am pursuing my political career,” she said.

She acknowledged that the NPP is a broad church, with many delegates having close family ties within the party’s grassroots structures.

“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion in politics,” she noted, but cautioned that leadership decisions must be based on the long-term interest of the party rather than personal or emotional considerations.

Ms Adwoa Safo was keen to dismiss any suggestion that her support for Dr Bawumia is rooted in personal hostility towards Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.

“I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong,” she said. “We have two beautiful children together, one male and one female; therefore, I do not hate Honourable Kennedy Agyapong.” However, she added pointedly, “This is not a matter of family and friends in the NPP party.”

Reflecting on the party’s recent electoral defeat, Ms Adwoa Safo urged the NPP to learn from its mistakes. “We must learn lessons from our loss, which has rendered us in opposition,” she said.

According to her, one of the key factors that cost the party was the perception that family and friends were prioritised while in government.

“While in government, we made that mistake, and it has cost us,” she observed.

The former minister also highlighted her long record of service to the party and the nation, questioning whether her experience should be disregarded.

“I started contesting as a Member of Parliament in 2007, and I have been a member of the party from that period up until now,” she said.

“I have served as a Member of Parliament for twelve years; I have been a Deputy Majority Leader, a Minister for Procurement, and a Minister for Gender. The question is: have I not served?”

While conceding that Mr Agyapong has also contributed significantly to the party, Ms Adwoa Safo raised concerns about her own political prospects should he emerge as the party’s leader and eventually become President.

“I have never said he is going to win this contest,” she explained, “but let us assume he wins and becomes President, and he comes across my CV.”

She suggested that her experience would not be recognised under such circumstances.

Looking at the work I have done and how I have served this nation and my party, for someone I have two children with to consider appointing me as a minister would seem impossible; hell will break loose in this country. And the Kennedy Agyapong I know, with whom I have two children, would never do it. Therefore, my political career and future are at stake. My future lies with Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia," he explained.