Shamima Muslim, a prominent social and gender activist, has strongly criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for disregarding the pleas of advocacy groups to select a female vice presidential candidate, thereby missing an opportunity to address the significant gender imbalance in the political landscape.
Her comments come on the heels of the ruling NPP’s announcement of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the party’s flagbearer’s running mate, a decision that has sparked her criticism.
“To the Gallant women of the NPP…This morning I empathize with all the hard-working women of the NPP, their sacrifices, long-suffering, and continuous dedication even in the face of non-elevation to important roles within the party”.
Shamima Muslim
Shamima Muslim extended her congratulations to all the women who were considered potential running mates, acknowledging their merits and capabilities.
She emphasized that the women’s abilities and qualifications are not in doubt, and their exclusion from the running mate selection was not due to any lack of merit or competence, but rather other factors.
The Gender Activist observed that although Dr. Bawumia and the NPP did not select a female running mate, as advocated for by FIDA, AWMA, Netright, and the women’s movement of Ghana, it’s not too late to continue advocating and demanding greater representation and amplification of women’s voices.
Shamima declared that women must hold political parties accountable for their treatment of women by either penalizing those that perpetuate marginalization or rewarding those that promote gender inclusivity and empowerment.
As such, she called on the women of the NPP to rise up and protest the party’s decision to overlook them, demanding recognition and inclusion in the political process.
Shamima Muslim encouraged the women of the NPP to show their solidarity with Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and John Mahama by quietly supporting their historic decision to choose a female running mate, a move that champions gender inclusivity in politics.
NPP Stalwart Defends Choice Of Dr. Opoku Prempeh As Running Mate
Meanwhile, Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), justified the choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the party’s running mate, dismissing criticisms and affirming the decision.
The NPP stalwart emphasized that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s credentials and qualifications as a suitable running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia are evident and speak for themselves, highlighting his merits and capabilities for the role.
Additionally, the NPP emphasized that Dr. Opoku Prempeh fully satisfies all the requirements and qualifications for the role, which led to his unanimous endorsement by the National Executive Council (NEC), demonstrating the party’s confidence in his abilities.
Nana Boakye praised the Energy Minister, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, for his outstanding performance in every role he has held, noting that his exceptional leadership skills have earned him widespread acclaim from all who have had the pleasure of working with him.
“Yes, some people will have their own varied views, diverse opinions but … this is somebody a lot of people see him as a competent person. He is dedicated, and his commitment to whatever he sets his eyes on is huge. I recall recently, I think there was one union leader who worked with Napo and he said that Napo can even manage a desert. As for his work, a lot of people know”.
Henry Nana Boakye
The NPP Organizer commended the Energy Minister for his notable accomplishments, particularly his instrumental role in implementing the Free SHS policy.
He noted that the Free SHS earned Prempeh widespread recognition and admiration, as evident during his visit to Kumasi Central Market, where he was warmly received and praised by the crowd.
“There are a lot of people, the downtrodden, the destitute who think that but for free SHS, they could not have even wished for their kids to go to school”. – Henry Nana Boakye
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