Adwoa Safo Affirms No Regrets Over Abstaining from E-Levy Vote

Former MP Sarah Adwoa Safo stated she has no regrets about abstaining from the E-Levy vote in 2022. She based her decision on consultations with constituents, particularly church members, who feared negative impacts on their livelihoods. She emphasized the need for lawmakers to prioritize constituents’ interests over party loyalty and reflected on the E-Levy’s adverse effects on the NPP.
Sarah Adwoa Safo, the former Member of Parliament for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency, has publicly reaffirmed her choice to abstain from the vote on the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) in 2022, expressing no regrets for her decision. On Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen program, she articulated that she believed the E-Levy would not be advantageous for Ghana; instead, it would inflict greater hardships on the populace.
Adwoa Safo indicated that her choice was heavily informed by discussions with her constituents, especially members from her church, who raised substantial concerns regarding the levy’s adverse effects on their livelihoods. This dilemma placed her at odds with her loyalty to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and her duty to her constituents, leading her to a decisive stance.
The former Gender Minister emphasized the principled nature of her decision, asserting that prioritizing her constituents’ welfare over political allegiance was paramount. She expressed satisfaction in her choice, reiterating that disregarding community concerns would have resulted in significant disappointment.
Moreover, Safo advocated for lawmakers to prioritize their convictions above party lines, positing that such an ethos would enhance Ghana’s democracy and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens within legislative matters.
Furthermore, she reflected on how the E-Levy’s passage negatively influenced the NPP’s political fortunes, particularly evident in the recent general election outcomes. Nonetheless, she remained steadfast that her decision was driven by principled ideals in favor of her constituents’ best interests.
During the intense debate surrounding the E-Levy’s approval, there were allegations suggesting that her vote was misrepresented, claiming she had been impersonated due to her absence from Ghana at the time. In response to inquiries about her presence during the voting process, she confirmed that she was indeed present in the legislative chamber when the bill was passed.
In summary, Sarah Adwoa Safo’s decision to abstain from the E-Levy vote was rooted in her commitment to her constituents, prioritizing their welfare over political loyalty. Her reflections highlight the importance of principled decision-making in governance, advocating for lawmakers to consider the impact of their choices on citizens. Despite challenges faced by the New Patriotic Party following the levy’s passage, she expresses no regrets, reaffirming her dedication to serving the interests of her constituents.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com