Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has officially announced her decision to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primary for the constituency, marking a dramatic reversal of her earlier decision to step away from the race.

In a statement dated October 22, 2026, the former Deputy Majority Leader and former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection said she would make herself available for consideration once the party announces the timetable and guidelines for its parliamentary primaries.

According to her, the decision followed “considerable reflection,” extensive consultations, and engagements with party leaders and constituency executives.

Safo acknowledged that she had previously indicated her intention to pursue opportunities outside the constituency. Last year, she stated that she would not contest the Dome-Kwabenya seat again, saying only her father, Apostle Kwadwo Safo, could change her decision. Her father has since passed away.

“No Greater Honour”

Explaining her change of heart, Safo said she had concluded that there was “no greater honour or responsibility” than representing the interests and aspirations of the more than 200,000 residents of Dome-Kwabenya in Parliament.

She said her renewed ambition was driven by her conviction that she still has much to contribute to the constituency’s development.

“My relationship with the people of Dome-Kwabenya transcends politics,” she said, describing it as one built on years of shared experiences, dedicated service, sacrifice and a common vision for a better constituency.

Reflecting on Her Record

Safo, who represented Dome-Kwabenya from January 2013 to January 2025, highlighted what she described as tangible development achieved during her twelve-year tenure.

She noted that when she first contested the seat in 2012, the NPP had inherited about 35,000 votes in the constituency. She said she increased the party’s tally to 63,373 votes in 2012, 65,488 in 2016, and 75,041 in 2020.

She attributed those results to the collective efforts of party members, supporters and constituents, stressing that the NPP’s strength lies in unity and shared commitment.

Describing Dome-Kwabenya as one of Ghana’s fastest-growing constituencies, Safo acknowledged that it continues to face significant developmental challenges despite its growing opportunities.

She said her vision remains to build a constituency where young people can fulfil their potential, families can thrive, and the concerns of ordinary residents receive greater attention.

“Dome-Kwabenya is home,” she said, adding that her commitment to its people “remains unwavering.”

A Potential Rematch

Safo’s announcement sets the stage for what could become one of the NPP’s most closely watched parliamentary contests.

She lost the party’s January 2024 parliamentary primary to Mike Oquaye Jnr, who secured 1,194 votes against her 328. Oquaye Jnr, however, went on to lose the constituency in the December 2024 general election to the National Democratic Congress’ Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, marking the first time the NDC captured the Dome-Kwabenya seat.

Before Safo’s announcement, Mike Oquaye Jnr had said on KeyPoints that although he had heard reports of her possible return, he preferred to wait for an official confirmation.

With Safo’s declaration now public, attention is expected to shift to whether Oquaye Jnr will respond and indicate whether he intends to contest the NPP primary, setting up a possible rematch between the former rivals.

By Gifty Boateng