Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has issued a public apology to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the party's primary elections. In a statement released on Tuesday, Safo expressed her deepest regret for any actions or decisions that may have caused harm or controversy within the party.
Safo's apology comes as she prepares to contest the NPP's primary election in her constituency against two other aspirants, Lydia Alhassan and Francisca Owusu-Agyapong. The primary election is scheduled to take place on June 20, 2022.
The controversy surrounding Safo's candidacy stems from her decision to contest the primary election despite being appointed as the Deputy Majority Leader in 2017. Under NPP rules, members of parliament who hold leadership positions are not allowed to contest party primaries. However, Safo has maintained that she resigned from her position as Deputy Majority Leader before filing her nomination to contest the primary election.
In her apology statement, Safo acknowledged that her decision to contest the primary election had caused "unnecessary controversy" within the party. She expressed her gratitude to the party's leadership and members for their support and understanding during this period.
"I wish to express my deepest regret for any actions or decisions that may have caused harm or controversy within our great party," Safo said in her statement. "I understand that my decision to contest the primary election has caused unnecessary controversy, and I want to assure all party members that it was not my intention to undermine the party's rules or cause any disaffection."
Safo also emphasized her commitment to the NPP and its values, and pledged to work towards the party's success in the upcoming general elections. "I remain committed to the principles and values of our great party, and I will continue to work tirelessly towards the success of the NPP in the 2022 general elections," she said.
Reactions to Safo's apology have been mixed, with some party members welcoming her gesture while others have called for her to be disqualified from the primary election. Some have argued that Safo's decision to contest the primary election despite being a member of the party's leadership is a breach of party rules and should be punished accordingly.
However, other party members have defended Safo, arguing that she has done nothing wrong and that her decision to contest the primary election is a demonstration of her commitment to democracy and the party's principles. They have also pointed out that Safo has resigned from her position as Deputy Majority Leader, which clears her to contest the primary election.
Adwoa Safo's apology to the NPP is a significant development in the lead-up to the party's primary election. While reactions to her apology have been mixed, it remains to be seen how the party's leadership and members will respond to her gesture. Regardless of the outcome, Safo's apology highlights the importance of unity and cohesion within political parties, particularly as they prepare for crucial elections.