Former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo has announced her intention to contest the Dome-Kwabenya NPP primaries again, setting up a possible return bid for the constituency she represented for 12 years.
In a statement dated Thursday, October 22, Mrs Safo said the decision followed “considerable reflection, extensive consultation and broad based engagement” with party leaders, executives and other stakeholders.
She said she would formally enter the race once the New Patriotic Party announces the timetable and guidelines for its parliamentary primaries.
The declaration reverses an earlier position in which she had indicated plans to pursue opportunities beyond Dome-Kwabenya.
“Upon deeper reflection, I have come to appreciate that there is no greater honour or responsibility than serving and representing the interests and aspirations of the over two hundred thousand constituents of our beloved constituency in Parliament.” - Adwoa Safo
‘Dome-Kwabenya Is Home’
Mrs Safo framed her return around her long relationship with the constituency and what she described as unfinished development work.
She first entered Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya following the 2012 election and retained the seat in 2016 and 2020.
“Dome-Kwabenya is home. It has always been home. My commitment to its people remains unwavering, and my resolve to serve remains steadfast,” she said.
She described the constituency as one of the fastest growing in Ghana, carrying both significant economic opportunities and mounting pressure on infrastructure and public services.
Mrs Safo said that during her 12 years as MP, she worked with residents, traditional and religious leaders, party members and other stakeholders on development projects, although she acknowledged that substantial work remains.
Her stated priorities include creating more opportunities for young people, supporting families and ensuring the everyday concerns of residents receive greater attention.
Safo Points to Past Electoral Performance
The former MP also cited the NPP’s electoral performance during her three terms as evidence of the constituency organisation she helped build.
She said the party’s parliamentary vote increased from 63,373 in 2012 to more than 63,000 in 2016 and 75,041 in 2020.
Contemporaneous Ghana News Agency records put her 2016 parliamentary tally at 63,488 votes, rather than the 65,488 figure contained in her statement. GNA also records her 2012 result at 63,373 and her 2020 tally at 75,041.
“These achievements are not mine alone. They reflect the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of every party member, supporter and constituent who believed in our shared vision for Dome-Kwabenya.” - Adwoa Safo
Return Comes After 2024 Primary Defeat
Mrs Safo’s comeback bid follows her defeat in the NPP’s January 2024 parliamentary primary.
Mike Oquaye Jnr won that contest with 1,194 votes, while Mrs Safo obtained 328 and Sheela Oppong Adomaa secured 186.
The party subsequently lost the Dome-Kwabenya parliamentary seat in the 2024 general election to the National Democratic Congress.
The Electoral Commission eventually declared the NDC’s Faustina Elikplim Akurugu MP elect after completing the constituency collation on December 31, 2024.
That result ended the NPP’s uninterrupted hold on the constituency since it was created in 2004.
Mrs Safo’s announcement therefore comes with a different political task from her earlier campaigns. Before returning to Parliament, she would first have to secure the NPP ticket and, if successful, contest a constituency now represented by the NDC.
Unity Central to Comeback Message
The former Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister placed considerable emphasis on party unity in her statement.
“I firmly believe that the strength of our party lies in our unity, our shared values, and our collective willingness to work together in pursuit of our common purpose,” she said.
She invited party members, constituency stakeholders and residents to engage with her “in a spirit of openness, candor and mutual respect” as the NPP considers its future leadership in Dome-Kwabenya.
For now, the declaration is an expression of intent. The actual contest will depend on the party’s timetable, nomination process and final field of aspirants.
What is clear is that Mrs Safo, after stepping away from the seat she held for three terms, wants another shot at representing Dome-Kwabenya.
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