Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, faced a vocal and unsympathetic reception from a group of women during her visit to the Dome Market in her constituency this week.
After being absent from both Parliament and her constituency for over a year, the MP attempted to reconnect with her constituents but was met with a resounding chorus of disapproval.
A viral video circulating on social media captured Adwoa Safo’s efforts to engage with market women on Thursday, October 26.
However, her attempts were drowned out by the sounds of disapproval, as traders hooted, shouted, and clapped to express their discontent with the MP.
The market women made their sentiments clear by chanting phrases like “We want change” and “Adwoa Safo, we don’t want you again.”
@faustinamodzifats ♬ original sound – Faustina Modzifa Tsali
Adwoa Safo’s prolonged absence from parliament in 2022 became a highly debated topic in the country, causing division within the House and her party. Her absence began in November 2021 and triggered a series of contentious events.
In October 2022, a clash occurred between the Majority Leader and the Speaker of Parliament over a decision regarding Adwoa Safo’s fate. The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, ruled that the Privileges Committee’s report was not final. This committee had recommended that the 40-year-old MP’s seat be declared vacant due to her failure to provide an explanation for her prolonged absence.
During the much-anticipated ruling, the Speaker stated that the report from the Committee needed to be presented to the entire House for a decision to be reached. This ruling was met with disapproval from Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Suame MP, who deemed it unfortunate and inconsistent.
The general public was divided over Adwoa Safo’s motives, including her constituents who were uncertain about her status in the area and its impact on development.
However, on November 11, 2022, Adwoa Safo officially resumed her parliamentary duties upon her return from the United States. In July of the previous year, she had been removed from her position as Gender Minister by President Akufo-Addo.
In September of the current year, Sarah Adwoa Safo issued an apology to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the controversies she had sparked during her extended absence from parliamentary duties.
The former Gender Minister acknowledged that the negative actions she exhibited during that time were unjustified and expressed regret.
She explained that these emotions were fueled by the complex personal challenges she was facing in her private life.
“It was not my intention to disrespect you. There was a lot going on in my life and family. I’m using this medium to plead for your forgiveness in the name of God,” she said in the September 14 video.