Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has called on delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to disregard claims linking former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to the economic difficulties experienced under the party’s administration, insisting he remains the most suitable candidate to lead the party.
Speaking to party delegates, Adwoa Safo argued that it would be unfair to hold Dr Bawumia solely responsible for the management of the economy, stressing that his influence over key economic decisions was limited. According to her, major policy directions were shaped by other senior government officials, particularly the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
She questioned why blame was being shifted to Dr Bawumia when concerns about economic management were previously directed at the finance ministry. Adwoa Safo recalled that some Members of Parliament had openly called for a change of finance minister due to dissatisfaction with the handling of the economy, long before any leadership changes were made.
In a metaphor to explain her position, she described Dr Bawumia as having a secondary role in government decision-making, saying he could not override decisions taken at the highest level, even when those decisions proved problematic.
Her remarks come amid growing criticism from some aspirants in the ongoing NPP presidential primaries, who have attributed the party’s economic record to Dr Bawumia’s tenure as Vice President.
The NPP is expected to elect its presidential candidate on January 31, 2026, ahead of the next general elections. Dr Bawumia is one of five contenders vying for the flagbearer position. The others are former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong.
