Several NPP MPs voted against Speaker Mike Oquaye – Adwoa Safo

Former Gender Minister, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has vehemently denied allegations of betraying the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by voting for Alban Bagbin instead of Professor Mike Oquaye for the Speakership of the 8th Parliament. Safo emphasized that she voted for Professor Mike Oquaye, contrary to claims that she supported Bagbin.

Safo recounted that she, along with Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, warned President Akufo-Addo that Professor Mike Oquaye would lose the Speakership election if nominated. Despite this warning, the President insisted on Oquaye’s nomination and instructed them to ensure party members voted in line.

“I voted for Professor Mike Oquaye because I wouldn’t have gone there if I was not going to vote. I know everyone who voted against Professor Mike Oquaye, and this country will turn upside down if I decide to mention names,” Safo stated.

Safo clarified that the votes were not counted during the chaotic Speakership election, and therefore, she should not be blamed for Professor Mike Oquaye’s defeat. She noted that multiple NPP MPs voted against Oquaye, leading to Carlos Ahenkorah’s attempt to snatch the ballot box to prevent a shameful defeat for the party.

In the 2024 NPP primaries, Safo lost her parliamentary bid to Mike Ocquaye Jr., the son of former Speaker Mike Ocquaye ². A total of 47 NPP MPs will not return to parliament in 2025, with 28 losing their seats during the primaries and 19 choosing to retire.