The Central Regional Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a statement demanding that the Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, properly apologizes to the NDC running mate, Prof. Naana Opoku Agymang, regarding the Member of Parliament’s remark made on the floor of Parliament questioning the competency of the latter.

The Majority Leader made a pass at the NDC running mate when he questioned her possible contribution to the party’s Presidential ticket and the future of the party. He indicated that Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang is too old to serve as a Vice President while arguing that the NDC by its decision to appoint her as running mate does not have any plan for the future of the party and the country.

“It has come to the attention of the Central Regional Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress with great concern, a calculated attempt by Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the majority leader of parliament and the MP for Effutu for the NPP, to damage the reputation of our lovely Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the vice presidential candidate for the general election of 2024”.
NDC Women’s Wing, Central Region

The NDC Women’s Wing described the behavior of the Majority Leader as unwarranted, reckless, and needless stating that Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang has done nothing to warrant the remarks made by the Majority Leader. It also indicated that the Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s statement is disrespectful to the elderly in society.

The Women’s Wing opined that it is hypocritical of the Member of Parliament to praise his mother for her constant support in his maiden speech as Majority Leader while he undermines the contributions of women to society’s development. The statement indicated that the action of the Majority Leader was an act of disrespect to his mother and wife both of whom are women.

The statement indicated that in light of the recent International Women’s Day observed in Parliament and Parliament’s commitment to creating gender equality and women empowerment, the Majority Leader’s remark came as a disappointment to all women in Ghana. The Women’s Wing argued that it is disheartening to see a woman of the Professor’s caliber being diminished by such a retrogressive remark.

“Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, a former vice chancellor and minister of education, has devoted her life to promoting education and empowering people, both domestically and globally. One such person is Hon. Afenyo-Markin, who studied communications skills under Prof. Jane while he was a student at UCC. Her dedication to excellence is widely appreciated and recognized by well-meaning individuals”.
NDC Women’s Wing, Central Region

Women’s Wing Issues A Warning

Furthermore, the NDC Women’s Wing advised that Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin take down his careless remarks within a 48-hour ultimatum, failing which he, the Majority Leader, would incur the wrath of women in the central region and Ghana as a whole.

The Member of Parliament’s remark has generated a lot of criticism from the general public and the opposition in Parliament especially. The NDC caucus in Parliament immediately after the comment was made, demanded that the Majority Leader retract his remark before proceedings in parliament continued.

Also, the NDC noted that the comments of the Majority Leader are not only disrespectful but also reveal a significant gender bias that is incompatible with Ghanaian society. The party argued that if Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman were a male over 70 years old, the Member of Parliament for Effutu would not have made such derogatory statements.

The party reiterated that the MP’s action is particularly concerning especially when Parliament is actively working to pass the Affirmative Action Bill to guarantee equal rights and inclusivity for all marginalized groups.

Accordingly, the NDC beforehand indicated that the party is not planning its succession while in opposition, arguing that the party’s main focus is capturing political power during the 2024 General Elections in December