Dismissed minister’s constituents express disappointment, say she’s been unfair to them
The Dome-Kwabenya constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed disappointment with their legislator, Sarah Adwoa Safo for allowing the role of Minister for Gender, Children and Social protection to slip through her hands.
This follows a revocation of her appointment by the President after months of absence from her ministerial and legislative duties.
Before the decision, the President had received calls from within and outside the NPP for the third-term Member of Parliament to be sanctioned for her continuous absence.
With regards to the development, the Dome-Kwabenya constituency secretary of the NPP, Theophilus Ansah Larbi expressed surprise at the failure of Adwoa Safo to return to her post.
“Adwoa Safe hasn’t been fair to her fans and constituents. She had the opportunity more than other people looking for the same opportunity in the party, and it was given to her because the President trusted and believed in her. But if it has gotten to this point, then it is very disappointing because the constituents were looking forward to some benefits from the Ministry upon her return.”
In a statement endorsed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, the President by article 81 (a) of the constitution revoked the appointment of Adwoa Safo, who is also a Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision comes at a time when Parliament is debating her continuous absence from Parliament for more than 15 sitting days without approval.
Earlier on Thursday, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin deferred his ruling on the beleaguered Dome-Kwabenya MP who has been cited for absenteeism.
At stake was whether the Dome Kwabenya seat would be declared vacant after Adwoa Safo did not honour her summons by the Privileges Committee, which was tasked to investigate her absenteeism.
Speaking after a debate on the report by the Privileges Committee, Mr Bagbin said he needed time to submit a written ruling.
Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, will continue to act as caretaker minister for the Gender Ministry until a substantive Minister is named by the President.
