A former Minister for Gender and Social Protection, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has pleaded with Ghanaians, especially those who will be voting in the December 7 presidential election, to consider competence over religion.
To her, the issue of religious affiliation should be relegated to the background and that, what Ghana needs at the moment is a competent person who can lead the country for the next four years.
Speaking at the ‘Dr. Bawumia Youth Connect campaign’ at Efigyase-Asokore in the Ashanti Region recently, Adwoa Safo, who is the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya said the competence level displayed by the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, far outweighs that of his opponents, urging the electorate to vote massively for him.
She emphasised the need for unity and support for capable leaders, irrespective of their faith.
“I keep hearing on the airwaves that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is a Muslim, so he should not be given power. Hoot at anyone who comes here to engage in that propaganda!” she declared, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Citing the shared Abrahamic roots of Christianity and Islam, Adwoa Safo reminded the enthusiastic crowd that religious differences should not divide Ghanaians.
“Christianity and Islam both trace their roots to Abraham, the father of Isaac and Ishmael. Despite having different mothers – Sarah and Hagar – we all come from the same source.”
She described Dr. Bawumia as a leader with a proven track record, capable of steering Ghana towards greater development.
Building on her message of unity and support for capable leaders, Adwoa Safo expressed optimism about the NPP’s chances in the upcoming December 2024 general elections.
“The crowd I see here gives me hope that we have already won. Today, I speak to the youth and women of Efigyase-Asokore, and the entire Ghanaian population. This election is about your future.”
She highlighted the pivotal role of women and youth in national development, stating “Women and children make up over 52% of the population. Let us throw our support behind Dr. Bawumia and Dr. Ayew Afriyie.
“My father, Prophet Kwadwo Safo, once said if you want a church to stand the test of time, you need the support of women. The same applies here – women must stand firm with our incoming president.”
Adwoa Safo assured the party faithful that Dr. Bawumia would prioritise women’s empowerment by providing capital to support their businesses.
“He is a man of possibilities. He has proven time and again that where there is no way, by the grace of God, he will make a way,” she said.
Drawing comparisons with past administrations, she criticised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for doubting the feasibility of NPP’s landmark policies.
“When then-President Kufuor discovered crude oil, the NDC called it palm kernel oil. They said Free SHS was impossible, yet we delivered it. The NDC is a party of impossibilities, while the NPP delivers results.”
She also highlighted the successes of NPP initiatives, including free maternal healthcare, Free SHS, and skills development under Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). “The beneficiaries of these programmes are proof of our commitment to the future of this nation.”
The Dome-Kwabenya lawmaker appealed to the electorate to re-elect the parliamentary candidate for the area, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, praising his exceptional performance in Parliament. “Dr. Ayew Afriyie’s sterling performance in the 8th Parliament deserves another term. Let us not disappoint him,” she urged.
By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
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