By Gifty Arthur
Former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo has broken her silence, slamming reports that she’s defected to the camp of Kennedy Agyapong her former parliamentary colleague and father of her two children.
In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, Safo called the claims “false, misleading, and malicious,” insisting her loyalty remains firmly with NPP’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The story, first published by The Insight Newspaper, alleged that Safo had joined Agyapong’s camp ahead of the 2028 flagbearer race, alongside former Common Fund boss Irene Naa Torshie Addo. But Safo isn’t having it.
“I have never, at any point, made any statement public or private suggesting I’ve withdrawn support for Dr. Bawumia,” she declared. “This is a calculated attempt to sow division and create confusion within the NPP.”
Safo, who served as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, demanded a full retraction and apology from The Insight, calling on the media to uphold journalistic integrity and avoid sensationalism. “Responsible journalism demands fairness, accuracy, and truth,” she said.
The former MP, now out of Parliament after losing her seat to Mike Oquaye Jnr, has been vocal in her support for Bawumia, even joining his national campaign in 2023. Though she’s stepped away from parliamentary politics, speculation is rife that she’s eyeing a bigger role possibly as Bawumia’s running mate in 2028.
“I remain firmly loyal to Dr. Bawumia,” she said. “He has shown exceptional leadership and resilience. He deserves a second chance to lead.”
Safo also urged unity within the party, cautioning against scapegoating Bawumia for the NPP’s 2024 defeat. “Leadership transitions come with challenges,” she noted. “Blaming one person is neither fair nor productive.”
While Safo has spoken out, Naa Torshie has yet to respond to the defection claims. Meanwhile, Agyapong who opted not to seek reelection in Assin Central remains a wildcard in the party’s future leadership race.
Though Safo and Agyapong share a personal history, including two children based in the U.S., she made it clear: politics and parenthood are not to be confused.