Former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has called on lawmakers to prioritize principle-based decision-making over party loyalty, using her stance on the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) as an example.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on March 18, the former Gender Minister emphasized that her decision to abstain from voting on the E-Levy in 2022 was based on her firm conviction that the policy would impose undue hardship on Ghanaians.
“I made that principled decision,” she stated, explaining that she had consulted widely with her constituents, particularly church members, who voiced concerns about the economic burden the levy would create. According to her, their feedback solidified her resolve to oppose the bill, despite the political consequences.
Adwoa Safo revealed that her decision placed her in a difficult position, torn between her party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and her duty to represent the best interests of her constituents. However, she expressed no regrets, asserting that failing to align with the will of her people would have amounted to a betrayal of their trust.
The former MP used her experience to urge Ghanaian legislators to embrace independent thinking and prioritize national interest over party directives. She argued that a Parliament where MPs act based on their convictions rather than political pressures would strengthen Ghana’s democracy and ensure policies reflect the true needs of citizens.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the E-Levy, Adwoa Safo acknowledged that the policy’s passage contributed to the NPP’s declining popularity, particularly in the recently concluded general elections. Nonetheless, she maintained that her decision was justified by her commitment to the electorate.
During the interview, Adwoa Safo also addressed past controversies, including allegations of impersonation during the passage of the E-Levy Bill in 2021. She dismissed the claims, affirming that she was present in the House on the day of the vote.
Her remarks have reignited discussions about the role of MPs in legislative decision-making, with many political analysts weighing in on whether Ghana’s democracy would benefit from more lawmakers taking similar stands based on personal conviction rather than party allegiance.