Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly violating the party’s directives on internal discourse.
This decision comes in the wake of her recent comments on a popular news talk show, which party leadership claims contravened a directive barring members from making public statements that could create disaffection within the party.
The party’s General Secretary, Justice Kodua Frimpong, issued a formal notice outlining the reasons for her referral, citing her failure to adhere to the principles of party discipline, loyalty, and unity.
The notice emphasized that, as a former Deputy Majority Leader and Minister of State, Adwoa Safo was expected to set an example but had instead acted in a manner that undermined efforts to rebuild the party.
NPP’s Directive on Media Engagement
With regard to the party’s defeat in the last election, the NPP issued a recent directive instructing all members to refrain from making statements in the media that could foster internal divisions.
The directive which came soon after the former MP, especially, started getting vocal about serious internal party affairs in interviews, was part of a broader strategy to maintain unity and refocus efforts on rebuilding the party’s strength.
“The New Patriotic Party (NPP) acknowledges the disappointment and emotional distress caused by our defeat in the last election. Many of us, as party members, have, on several platforms, expressed our anger, disappointment, and frustration.
“However, we humbly ask that all party faithful remain calm so that cooler heads may prevail at this time”
New Patriotic Party
It further warned that any member who violated this directive would be referred to the appropriate disciplinary committee.
Party members were reminded of Article 3(5) of the NPP Constitution, which mandates them to promote and defend the good name of the party.
Despite this directive, Adwoa Safo took to the media to express her concerns about the party’s internal affairs and its approach to the 2028 elections, advocating for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s return as the party’s flagbearer.
Adwoa Safo’s Remarks
In her recent interview, Adwoa Safo questioned the party’s attempt to silence members, arguing that open discussions were crucial for restructuring and progress.
She expressed frustration over what she perceived as an attempt to stifle dissent within the party.
“This is a party that has fought for freedom of speech. This is a party that has had a president that came in and repealed the criminal libel law. We are in opposition. How can you tell people not to speak? How can you restructure when you don’t want people to speak?”
Sarah Adwoa Safo, Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya
She insisted that allowing party members to voice their concerns was necessary for the NPP’s revival.
“I am telling ourselves that if we want to be comedians and then do things and laugh at our own acting, Ghanaians are ready to give us all the luxury to do that.
“But I don’t think we want that. So let people pour out. Let people tell you why we did the things that we did. Let us see how we can, you know, work it out with them”
Sarah Adwoa Safo, Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya
Endorsing Bawumia for 2028
Beyond her criticism of the party’s communication restrictions, Adwoa Safo openly declared her support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the NPP into the next presidential election, insisting that he deserved another chance.
“We will bring Bawumia back as the NPP flagbearer, he is the best person and deserves a second chance,” she declared.
She rejected any suggestions that Bawumia should not run again, citing historical precedents where political leaders made multiple attempts before winning the presidency.
“President Kufuor went how many times before he got the nod? His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he went how many times before he got the nod? We went 2007, we lost. We went 2012, we lost.
“It was in 2016, after the election petition, through my effort in Dome-Kwabenya… We had electoral reforms, and that brought the party to power”
Sarah Adwoa Safo, Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya
Drawing comparisons to other political figures, she noted that John Mahama also lost elections before returning to contest again.
“Professor Mills, how many times did the late Professor Mills, may his soul rest in perfect peace, how many times did he run? Our current president, President Mahama.
“He continued the leftover term of Professor Mills. He started his first term, then he lost. When he came again, Ghanaians rejected him. And he’s come again”
Sarah Adwoa Safo, Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya
She dismissed the notion that Bawumia was no longer viable as a candidate, challenging the basis for such conclusions.
“So why are you telling Dr. Bawumia that Ghanaians don’t like him? And then you put that in a report and present it to us and you think we’ll accept it? No”
Sarah Adwoa Safo, Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya
Implications of Her Referral
Adwoa Safo’s recent interview, in disregard of the earlier communication from the party has triggered a sanctioning response from the NPP.
“As a former Member of Parliament, Former Deputy Majority Leader and Former Minister of State under the erstwhile NPP government, she was expected to set a good example and adhere to the principles of discipline, loyalty and unity that have always defined our great party.
“Her failure to do so not only reflects poorly on her but also in contravention of Article 3(5) of the Party’s constitution, which, amongst others, enjoins us to promote and defend the good name of the Party”
New Patriotic Party
Her referral to the disciplinary committee marks a significant moment in the internal politics of the NPP.
Her case underscores the tension within the party as it navigates its post-election challenges and seeks to consolidate power ahead of 2028.
Her remarks reflect broader concerns among party members who believe open dialogue is essential for genuine reform.
However, party leadership remains firm on the need for unity and strategic communication.
With her case now before the disciplinary committee, the outcome could set a precedent for how the NPP handles dissent and internal discourse moving forward.
Will she face sanctions or will she be given an opportunity to reconcile with the party leadership?
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