Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah has declared that she will no longer allow the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to intimidate or pressure her into submission following her recent confrontation with Honourable Alexander Afenyo-Markin during the NPP protest. Madam Jantuah explained that her experience with the party stretched beyond the latest incident, citing previous episodes which she believes cost her positions and subjected her to considerable personal difficulty.
Reflecting on the public reaction to the confrontation, the presidential staffer disclosed that she received numerous calls from people who expressed support for her after the incident. She indicated that while several individuals attempted to explain what happened or offered their perspectives, she is still convinced that she has not misunderstood the situation.
Madam Jantuah stressed that she has witnessed the events personally and knew what has transpired before the cameras began recording. She therefore rejected suggestions that her reaction was based on a misinterpretation of the encounter. “I will not succumb and I will not bend my knees to them again. Enough!” she emphasised.
The presidential staffer linked her position to what she termed as a history of difficult experiences involving the NPP. She recalled her time at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, where she alleged that political pressure contributed to the loss of her job and created circumstances she described as extremely difficult.
Madam Jantuah also referred to her period as General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party, arguing that forces within the political environment again worked against her leadership. She noted that despite those experiences, she eventually rose from the setbacks to lead the party associated with Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
On her relationship with Honourable Afenyo-Markin, the presidential staffer clarified that she did not regard the Minority Leader as a friend. She nevertheless indicated that she harboured no personal hatred towards him and would respond politely if he greeted her.
According to Madam Jantuah, courtesy did not require her to initiate contact with someone with whom she has no personal relationship. She explained that during the recent demonstration, other political figures crossed over to greet and embrace her, demonstrating that people could maintain civility despite political differences.
The presidential staffer further revealed that some senior members and elders of the CPP have contacted her privately to express regret over how her departure from the party leadership unfolded. She declined to identify those individuals but indicated that their conversations has reinforced her belief that she made the right decision to move forward.
Presidential Staffer Recalls Unexpected Appointment Under Current Government
Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah also revealed that her appointment to serve in the presidency came unexpectedly after President John Dramani Mahama approached her at a funeral. Madam Jantuah explained that she has not been considering joining the government at the time and previously turned down two positions offered during the president’s first administration.
The presidential staffer disclosed that President Mahama first raised the possibility of working at the presidency when they met at the funeral. She recalled that his brief message about reporting to the Flagstaff House caught her by surprise because she did not initiate discussions about taking up a government position.
Madam Jantuah recounted that she initially expressed reservations when the president mentioned the opportunity. However, after further encouragement, she decided to consider the proposal and eventually found herself appointed without having gone through the kind of prolonged discussions she expected.
She revealed that the final decision came so quickly that she heard her name mentioned for the position while she was in bed at about 3am. The presidential staffer said the President later contacted her directly and instructed her to report for work. “He said, ‘Nana Yaa, report to work.’ That’s it,” she explained.
Madam Jantuah explained that the appointment differed significantly from earlier offers she had received from the same administration. During President Mahama’s first term, she had been offered positions as Deputy Minister for Energy and presidential spokesperson, but she declined both opportunities at the time.
Her decision, she noted, was influenced by family responsibilities and the need to provide stability for younger relatives under her care. Madam Jantuah indicated that she prioritised their education and other needs, making her reluctant to enter government at that particular stage.
The presidential staffer eventually approached the later appointment differently because of the President’s personal request. She explained that after initially resisting the idea, she decided to accept the opportunity and contribute to the administration.
Her political background also influenced how she viewed the appointment and her subsequent role in government. Madam Jantuah explained that she was raised within the traditions of the Convention People’s Party and considered Nkrumaism an important part of her upbringing.
She disclosed that she continues to hold a strong attachment to the political philosophy associated with Kwame Nkrumah. A large portrait of Ghana’s first President, she noted, occupies a prominent position in her office as a reminder of the tradition within which she was raised.
Madam Jantuah further linked that background to President Mahama’s own family history. She explained that her father and the President’s father, E.A. Mahama, were friends, giving the two families a longstanding connection.
Additionally, she pointed to President Mahama’s continued interest in aspects of Nkrumaism as another reason she feels connected to the administration’s political outlook.
READ ALSO: Govt. Welcomes Foreign Investment, Warns Against Illegal Retail Trade
