Nobody can silence me - Adwoa Safo replies NPP General Secretary over media gag order

Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has hit back at the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, stating that he has no authority to silence her or any other party member.

Speaking on JoyNews yesterday, Adwoa Safo defended her right to free speech, arguing that the NPP’s directive barring members from engaging the media on internal party matters was unconstitutional.

"We all have the right to express ourselves, and that includes me," she asserted.

Her remarks were in direct response to a statement issued by the General Secretary cautioning party members against public commentary on issues currently being addressed internally.

Calls out Kodua’s own public criticism

The former MP challenged the General Secretary’s consistency, citing his own public comments following the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat.

"The General Secretary began speaking publicly after we lost the election, going around explaining the situation. He even went as far as telling people not to blame him for the loss," she said.

She also referenced his radio interview, where he criticised former President Nana Akufo-Addo for allegedly ignoring party advice during cabinet meetings.

"And now, when it’s my turn to speak, a statement is being issued. What locus does he have to do that?" she questioned.

She further dismissed the statement directed at her, insisting that if the General Secretary had any personal concerns, he should address them privately.

"He was on the radio himself, so if he wants to write a letter to me, he should do so privately. This statement is too vague, and I don’t think it’s something I need to respond to."

"Nobody can silence me"

Adwoa Safo made it clear that she would not be forced into silence, arguing that the NPP is a collective effort, not owned by any individual.

"Nobody brought me to the party, and the party is not for anyone. We are all in there to build the party, so nobody can force me out and can't force me to keep my mouth shut," she declared.

She also pointed to the growing dissatisfaction among party supporters, urging the General Secretary to pay attention to the concerns being raised online.

"He should go on social media and see how the party members are criticising him. He has an election coming up, and he shouldn’t allow himself to be manipulated or used for other people’s agendas. If your base is bitter and feels unheard, they would want someone to speak for them."

Fighting back against "character assassination"

The former MP also addressed what she described as a campaign to tarnish her reputation within the party.

"There has been a character assassination on me. I have been defamed by my own party," she lamented.

According to her, she has been unfairly portrayed in a negative light, and she is determined to set the record straight.

"Whatever they have painted me as to bring me down is not the truth. I will make sure the truth is known," she insisted.

Adwoa Safo maintained that freedom of speech remains a fundamental right that should not be suppressed.

"No one should be silenced for voicing their opinion, especially when it’s a constitutional right," she concluded.

Her comments add to the growing tension within the NPP following its 2024 electoral loss, with internal disagreements surfacing over the party’s future direction and leadership decisions.