Sarah Adwoa Safo, former MP, asserts she has no regrets about abstaining from the E-Levy vote, stating it was a principled decision motivated by the concerns of her constituents. She calls for lawmakers to prioritize individual beliefs over party loyalty to enhance democracy and reflect citizens’ voices. Safo acknowledges the E-Levy’s negative impact on the NPP’s fortunes but remains committed to her choices.
Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, recently shared her thoughts regarding her abstention from the vote on the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) in 2022. She expressed that she remains undeterred by her choice, emphasizing her belief that the E-Levy would impose undue hardship on Ghanaians. Adwoa Safo articulated her stance on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, affirming, “I made that principled decision.”
The former Gender Minister stated that her choice was significantly impacted by discussions with her constituents, particularly those from her church, who voiced concerns regarding the levy’s detrimental effects on their economic well-being. Her commitment to her constituents prompted a struggle between her loyalty to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and her responsibility to her community.
Adwoa Safo highlighted her pride in prioritizing the interests of her constituents, declaring that disregarding the concerns of her community would have led to their disappointment. Furthermore, she urged other lawmakers to adopt a principled approach to voting, advocating for the prioritization of individual convictions over party pressures. She posited that such practices could enhance Ghana’s democratic processes and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens in legislative matters.
Reflecting on the aftermath of her decision, Safo noted that the passage of the E-Levy impacted the NPP’s fortunes, particularly in the recent elections; however, she remained steadfast that her decision was rooted in her principles and commitment to her constituents. Despite earlier conspiracy theories suggesting that her absence in Parliament during the vote was manipulated, she confirmed her presence on that crucial day.
In conclusion, Sarah Adwoa Safo’s principled stance on the E-Levy vote underscores the importance of representing constituents’ interests over party loyalty in legislative processes. Her experience illustrates that lawmakers should prioritize their convictions to foster a more inclusive democracy. Despite the political consequences of her decision, Safo remains resolute in her commitment to her constituents’ well-being.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
