Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) running mate for the December 2020 polls, has tasked the women wing of the party to ensure that the enthusiasm that greeted her nomination resulted in their victory.
The former Education Minister’s nomination by Former President John Dramani Mahama to complement the NDC’s ticket was greeted with exuberance amongst women with some believing that there was now a real opportunity for a woman to occupy the office of vice president.
Addressing the women including the Parliamentary caucus, regional women organisers and female communicators who called on her at her residence in Accra yesterday, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said her nomination must not be lost on the wing.
“The enthusiasm that has greeted the decision by his Excellency, John Dramani Mahama must not be lost on any of us.
“I urge that we turn that enthusiasm into reality and we all know we can. Yes we can,” she said to loud applause from the women adorned in white garments.
Recognizing the contributions of women to the NDC’s progress, the running mate said there was a lot of work ahead towards a resounding victory and that everybody must continue to endeavour to give their all in that regard.
Inviting head porters who were among the participants to join her on the stage, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang told them that “you have proper name. Your name is not kayayei and deserves the respect like anybody else.
“Without you, our society will not be what it is. Believe that whatever you are doing in whatever category is as important as at any level.”
She said the march towards victory on December 7 had started, urging the rank and file of the party to brace up for the battle ahead.
Chairperson of the Minority Women Caucus in Parliament, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah, congratulating Prof. Opoku-Agyemang on behalf of her caucus said her selection was a demonstration of the NDC’s commitment to gender equality.
She said owing to the former Vice Chancellor of University of Cape Coast’s demonstrable competence both in private and public office “we have no doubt that bringing onboard your rich experience in leadership and intellect, you will deliver to the admiration of all as vice president should Ghanaians give the NDC the mandate to govern the country in December.”
The journey to the high office, she said, would be difficult but “we encourage you to remain focused, strong and courageous till we make that history of electing the first female vice president of this country.
She said all Ghanaian women, old and young, were looking up to her as role model to represent their interest in the governance of the country, assuring that “the women caucus in parliament is solidly behind you and we will use all our strength to push you to the top.”
The National Women Organiser of the NDC, Dr Hannah Bissue, on her part decried what she said were attacks on the 69-year old educationist since her nomination by their opponents in the NPP and called on all women interest groups to rally behind one of their own.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
