Adwoa Safo – A Bold Voice for Women, Children & Good Governance
Sarah Adwoa Safo, born on 28th December 1981, is one of Ghana’s most remarkable female leaders whose career journey has been defined by resilience, groundbreaking achievements, and unwavering commitment to public service. A lawyer by profession and a politician by passion, she has served Ghana with distinction across law, governance, and social development.
Early Life and Education
Born to renowned Ghanaian industrialist and pastor, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder of Kristo Asafo Church and Kantanka Automobile, Adwoa Safo’s upbringing was deeply rooted in discipline, innovation, and service. She was home-tutored and successfully completed her GCE A’ Level in 1998.
At just 17 years old, she entered the University of Ghana School of Law, where she obtained her LL.B. in 2002 and rose to become Vice President of the Law Students Union. She was called to the Ghana Bar in 2004 at the youthful age of 22. Her quest for excellence pushed her further, earning an LL.M. from George Washington University (USA) and later, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Procurement Law & Policy from the University of Nottingham (UK) in 2022.
Professional Career in Law
Adwoa Safo began her legal career at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Washington D.C. before returning to Ghana to practice law with Kulendi@Law and Zoe, Akyea & Co. She later became the first Legal Officer at the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), where she played a pivotal role in policy reforms, including the establishment of the Appeals and Complaints Panel and the rebranding of the institution from Public Procurement Board to PPA.
Political Journey
In 2012, Sarah Adwoa Safo made history when she was elected as the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP). She successfully retained her seat in 2016 and 2020, cementing her place as one of Ghana’s most influential female lawmakers.
Deputy Majority Leader: She broke barriers as the first female MP to hold the position of Deputy Majority Leader in the history of Ghana’s Parliament.
Ministerial Roles:
Minister of State in charge of Government Procurement (2017–2021)
Minister for Gender, Children & Social Protection (2021–2022)
Through these roles, she championed policies that promoted good governance, transparency, and social welfare, with a focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Electoral Success & Leadership
Adwoa Safo’s political strength was evident in her resounding victories:
2012 Elections: Won with 63.7% of votes
2016 Elections: Won with 68% of votes
2020 Elections: Secured 58.4% of votes
Though she lost the 2024 NPP primaries to Mike Oquaye Jnr, her impact and legacy in Ghanaian politics remain undeniable.
Recognition & Honors
Nobles Forum Award Nominee (2012)
Recognized by Glitz Africa as one of the Top 100 Women of the Year
Celebrated as a role model for young women aspiring to enter politics and leadership
Personal Life
Beyond her career, Adwoa Safo is a devoted Christian, wife, and mother of two. Married in August 2019, she balances family life with her demanding professional responsibilities, embodying strength, faith, and perseverance.
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Sarah Adwoa Safo stands as a beacon of inspiration, a woman who has redefined leadership and continues to motivate the next generation of Ghanaian women to break barriers in law, politics, and governance.
