Sarah Adwoa Safo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, has provided an explanation for her decision to abstain from campaigning in the seat prior to the election on December 7. According to the former Minister of Gender, Women, and Social Protection, she wished to provide Mike Ocquaye Junior, the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), some leeway. She recalled that she had stated that she would be more involved in the campaign of NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia after losing the primaries on January 27. This was said by Adwoa Safo in a press conference held on Monday, December 16, 2024, when Parliament reconvened.
"I made it plain that I would be included in the national campaign as soon as I lost that seat in my primary. I wasn't going to budge on that. Because even after 12 years as an MP, you still have your followers and people who are interested in you. "I believe my impact is still present. Additionally, I want to offer my opponent the freedom to enjoy it and work the way he wants to. "I don't want the constituency to do that," she clarified.
After beating her in the NPP primaries, Mike Ocquaye Jr. felt certain that he would be Adwoa Safo's successor in the ninth parliament. However, his optimism was short-lived when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) defeated the NPP in the Dome Kwabenya seat, which is considered to be its stronghold. Amidst a series of disturbances at the collation center, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, the NDC candidate, was proclaimed the victor. Mr. Oquaye received 50,477 votes, while she received 51,634 votes. Mr. Ocquaye, however, has stated that he would not accept the findings, claiming that the declaration was mistaken.