Writers: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku
GhanaianNewsCanada | March 10, 2026
Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has hinted that he may one day reveal the identity of a **mystery woman who allegedly occupied the parliamentary seat of former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo, during the controversial approval of the 2022 national budget in November 2021.
The incident became one of the most debated moments in Ghana’s parliamentary history, with questions raised about whether the person sitting in Adwoa Safo’s seat during the vote was actually the MP herself.
Haruna Iddrisu, who served as Minority Leader in Parliament at the time, recently suggested that the truth about the mysterious figure could eventually be revealed to the Ghanaian public.
The Controversial 2021 Budget Vote
The controversy dates back to November 2021, when Parliament debated and voted on the 2022 Budget Statement and Fiscal Policy.
During that period, questions had already been raised about the prolonged absence of Adwoa Safo from Parliament, as she had been away from Ghana for several months.
Despite her absence, observers claimed that a woman believed not to be the MP was seen occupying her seat during the crucial budget proceedings, sparking intense political debate across the country.
The issue became even more controversial because the parliamentary numbers at the time were extremely tight between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Allegations and Political Tension
The alleged presence of another woman in Adwoa Safo’s seat led to widespread speculation about whether parliamentary procedures had been compromised.
Some critics questioned whether the individual had attempted to create the impression that the MP was present in Parliament during the vote.
However, the claims were never conclusively confirmed by Parliament.
Haruna Iddrisu has now hinted that he possesses information about the incident and could reveal the identity of the person involved at the appropriate time.
Haruna Iddrisu’s Statement
Speaking about the issue, Haruna Iddrisu indicated that the truth behind the controversial moment in Parliament has not been fully disclosed.
He suggested that the identity of the woman who allegedly occupied the seat could eventually be made public, a revelation that could potentially reignite debates about parliamentary accountability and transparency.
His comments have since revived discussions about the dramatic political events surrounding the 2021 budget approval process.
Image Text: Ghana’s Parliament during a heated session as controversy resurfaces over the 2021 budget approval vote.
Background on Adwoa Safo’s Parliamentary Role
Sarah Adwoa Safo served as the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency and was also appointed Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Her prolonged absence from Parliament during that period generated significant criticism from both political opponents and members of her own party.
The situation eventually led to political consequences, including pressure on her to return to Ghana and resume her parliamentary duties.
Renewed Public Interest
Haruna Iddrisu’s latest remarks have once again drawn public attention to the unusual parliamentary episode.
Political analysts say that if the identity of the mystery woman is ever officially revealed, it could raise serious questions about parliamentary conduct and procedural integrity during one of Ghana’s most contentious legislative moments.
For now, however, the identity of the alleged individual remains unknown, leaving the incident as one of the lingering mysteries in Ghana’s recent political history.
