The controversy surrounding the election of Alban Bagbin as Speaker of Parliament in January 2021 continues to generate discussion, particularly regarding the role of Adwoa Safo, the then Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya. Safo, after a prolonged period of silence, has finally broken her silence, categorically denying allegations that she betrayed her party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), by voting against their preferred candidate, Professor Mike Oquaye, in favor of Bagbin, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominee. In an interview, Safo vehemently refuted these accusations, asserting her unwavering support for Oquaye and highlighting the efforts she made to ensure her presence in Parliament for the crucial vote.
Safo’s account of the events leading up to the election paints a picture of commitment to her party. She explained that she was delayed by traffic on the day of the vote, a situation that necessitated the intervention of the then-Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, who dispatched riders to escort her to Parliament. This action, she argues, demonstrates her intention to vote for the NPP candidate, as it would have been illogical to undergo such efforts if she planned to vote for the opposition. She questioned the rationale behind these accusations, emphasizing that had she intended to support Bagbin, she would not have bothered to make such strenuous efforts to arrive on time for the vote.
Central to Safo’s narrative is the alleged betrayal by Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, whom she accuses of falsely implicating her in Bagbin’s victory. She contends that she had informed Mensah Bonsu of her decision prior to the vote, and therefore, his subsequent suggestion that she had supported Bagbin was a deliberate misrepresentation of her stance. This accusation adds another layer of complexity to the already convoluted narrative surrounding the Speaker’s election, highlighting the internal tensions and mistrust within the NPP.
Safo further alleges a concerted effort within the NPP to sabotage her political career, suggesting that these accusations are part of a larger scheme to discredit her. She hints at the involvement of “spiritual forces,” implying a campaign orchestrated by individuals within the party who harbored ill intentions towards her. This claim of sabotage underscores the deep-seated factionalism that can exist within political parties, often leading to internal conflicts and power struggles that can undermine party unity and effectiveness.
The former MP expressed her disappointment that despite the fact that more than five NPP MPs voted for Bagbin, she was singled out and unfairly blamed for the outcome. This, she argues, is a clear indication of a targeted campaign against her, fueled by personal agendas and political machinations. This disparity in treatment, Safo believes, is a testament to the unfairness and bias she faced within the party, further strengthening her claim of being a victim of internal sabotage.
In conclusion, Adwoa Safo’s account of the events surrounding the Speaker of Parliament election presents a counter-narrative to the widely held belief that she was instrumental in Bagbin’s victory. She vehemently denies betraying her party, highlighting the lengths she went to to ensure her participation in the vote and accusing key figures within the NPP of orchestrating a campaign to discredit her. Her allegations of sabotage, betrayal, and the involvement of spiritual forces offer a glimpse into the internal politics and power dynamics within the NPP, suggesting a complex interplay of personal ambitions, factionalism, and strategic maneuvering. The controversy continues to raise questions about the transparency and integrity of internal party processes and the potential for personal vendettas to overshadow broader political objectives. Safo’s insistence on her innocence and her accusations against senior party members leave a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the events of that day, demanding further investigation and clarification to fully understand the dynamics that led to the unexpected outcome of the Speaker’s election.
