Sarah Adwoa Safo, the former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya and Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has unequivocally declared her intention to move beyond her previous constituency representation and pursue higher political office. In a recent interview, she firmly dismissed any speculation of a return to contest the Dome-Kwabenya seat, emphasizing her twelve years of service and the legacy she believes she has established. Safo expressed her ambition to take on more challenging roles, specifically mentioning her interest in the Speakership of Parliament. She portrayed this ambition not as a fallback plan but as a deliberate step forward in her political career, seeking positions that offer greater influence and responsibility.
Safo’s decision to leave the Dome-Kwabenya constituency seemingly stems from a sense of underappreciation and perhaps even mistreatment within her party. Her words, though carefully chosen, hinted at a feeling of being undervalued despite her years of service. This perceived lack of recognition appears to be a significant factor motivating her to seek opportunities outside her former constituency and aim for roles that she believes better reflect her capabilities and contributions. Her statement, “If you’re appreciated, it motivates you to do more. If you’re not appreciated and you’re treated like, excuse me to say, a rag…,” underscores this sentiment and suggests a level of disillusionment with her previous political environment.
The context of Safo’s departure from Dome-Kwabenya involves her loss in the party primaries to Mike Oquaye Jnr., the son of former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Aaron Oquaye. This defeat appears to have solidified her decision to move on from constituency politics. Interestingly, Oquaye Jnr. subsequently lost the general election, leaving the Dome-Kwabenya seat open to a new representative. However, Safo has firmly reiterated that she has no intention of revisiting this constituency, emphasizing that only her father could persuade her to reconsider. This strong stance indicates a definitive shift in her political focus and a commitment to pursuing higher office.
Safo’s ambition for the Speakership represents a significant leap in her political trajectory. The Speaker of Parliament holds a powerful position, presiding over the legislative body and playing a crucial role in the country’s governance. Her interest in this role suggests a desire to influence policy at a national level and contribute to the broader political landscape. This aspiration also reflects a level of confidence in her abilities and a belief that she possesses the necessary leadership qualities to manage and guide the parliamentary proceedings.
Looking beyond the Speakership, Safo has expressed a broader interest in “bigger things” and “more challenging opportunities.” This open-ended statement suggests a willingness to consider various high-level positions within the government or perhaps even within international organizations. Her focus on roles that present significant challenges indicates a desire for continued growth and a commitment to making a substantial impact on the political scene. This ambition also potentially positions her for future leadership roles within her party, should she successfully navigate her way through the higher echelons of government.
In conclusion, Adwoa Safo’s recent pronouncements mark a significant turning point in her political career. Her departure from constituency politics, driven by a sense of underappreciation and a desire for greater challenges, has propelled her towards higher aspirations. Her interest in the Speakership and other prominent roles signals a clear intention to ascend the political ladder and contribute at a national or even international level. While her future path remains to be seen, Safo’s ambition and determination suggest a continued presence in the political arena, albeit in a capacity that moves beyond the confines of her former constituency. This transition represents not just a change in position, but a potential transformation in her political identity, from a constituency representative to a national leader.
