A former Gender Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Dome-Kwabenya constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has finally spoken out about her prolonged absence from parliament. She issued a heartfelt apology to her political party and its members while also shedding light on the personal challenges her family and herself faced during this period.
Adwoa Safo openly acknowledged that her absence was not intentional and expressed deep regret for any inconvenience it might have caused.
In a sincere address to prominent figures within her party, she stated, “I want to take this opportunity to extend my apologies to my party and its leaders. This includes President Akufo-Addo, the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, the Majority Leader, and the entire Majority Caucus.”
Continuing with her apology, she added, “I want to emphasize that my absence was not intentional; there were numerous challenges in my personal life and my family’s life. I am using this platform to humbly request your forgiveness in the name of God. To my regional executives, my constituency executives, the NPP headquarters, and all supporters who cherish the party and me, please find it in your hearts to forgive me for all that transpired.”
Adwoa Safo’s extended absence from parliament had been a widely debated topic in 2022, capturing the nation’s attention. The issue arose when she left the country following the approval of the 2022 budget on November 26, 2021.
Due to her prolonged absence, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, referred Adwoa Safo to the Privileges Committee on April 4 for missing fifteen parliamentary sitting days. On July 29, 2023, the president revoked her appointment based on Article 81 of the Constitution.
However, on November 11, 2022, Adwoa Safo officially resumed her parliamentary duties upon her return from the United States of America. She experienced another absence but returned on February 7, 2023, marking her first appearance in the House that year, where she has since remained.
Source: insidergh.com