The recent appointment of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as its flagbearer’s running mate for the Presidential election has met a lot of criticisms, some of which are genuine, from the general public especially the opposition NPP for varied reasons.
As the criticism of the party’s choice continue to build up, the NDC has been on a defense trail trying to justify its choice of running mate to the public. The NDC’s emphasis on gender inclusion as a factor considered in the selection of Prof. Agyemang however, placed a damp on her competency.
Naturally, the public is bound to question whether or not the party’s decision was a mere plot to achieve its electoral goals through preaching gender parity or whether the party has considered her competency. Unfortunately, the appointment of Prof. Agyemang has become an argument of gender, a manifestation which has overshadowed her proficiency.
“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 the majority leader of parliament to damage the reputation of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang… One would think Mr. Markin recognizes the important roles women play in our human and societal development as a man who recently thanked his mother and wife for their contributions to his successes”.
NDC C/R WOMEN’S WING
In a bid to defend the competency of Prof. Agyemang, the party outlined her accomplishment over the years, especially during her service as the Minister of Education under the Mahama administration from 2012 to 2016. The NDC stated that Prof. Agyemang is scandal free as she had conducted her affairs at the Ministry of Education meticulously without attaching any dishonor to her personality.
The NDC further emphasized that the introduction of a Progressive Free SHS policy targeted at aiding poor and vulnerable students under her leadership as Education Minister is a testament to Prof. Agyemang’s visionary leadership and forward-thinking.
Prof. Agyemang Capable Enough?
Also, the party argued that its selection of Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to join forces with H.E John Mahama offers a seamless remedy to Ghana’s current leadership deficiency. It stated that the party’s choice aligns with the desires of Ghanaian voters’ hunger for candid and accomplished leadership which will address the nation’s pressing needs effectively.
The party further argued that its retention of Prof. Agyemang is due to her patriotism and commitment to national development, arguing that her proactive nature which enables her to anticipate change and provide substantial solutions to problems makes her the best in her league and the most qualified candidate.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s experience on the global stage, including her service on UNESCO’s Executive Board, equips her with the diplomatic acumen vital for Ghana’s international relations. Her ability to navigate complex global arenas while advocating for Ghana’s interests exemplifies the sophisticated leadership needed to enhance the nation’s standing worldwide”.
NDC
While the NDC is making efforts to defend its choice of running mate, it was suicidal on the party’s part to use gender parity as a factor considered in selecting the party’s running mate in its argument. In as much as Ghanaians want a progressive leadership that includes women, the fact still remains that competency must triumph over every other motivation.
Undoubtedly, Ghana’s political scene has over the years been characterized by the fewer women in decision making and governance. Efforts by made by parliament and political parties over the years to attain at least a 30% representation for women in parliament has not yielded much as the number of women in parliament currently is forty (40) as opposed to two-hundred and thirty-five (235) men.
Conclusively, while it is refreshing for political parties to consciously make efforts to address gender disparity in the country’s leadership, it is unwise to use gender arguments to sway voters to a party’s favor. It also must be noted that competency must not be compromised in the quest to achieve gender equality. The only way women can be truly represented in leadership is through competent women and not just women selected to fill a gender inclusive quota.
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