Why Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang ticks all the right boxes as NDC’s 2024 running mate

Here, I will share with you a blog post on why Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang ticks all the right boxes as NDC’s 2024 running mate.

In the swirling political currents of Ghana, the choice of a running mate is not merely a strategic maneuver; it’s a profound statement of intent and vision by a presidential candidate. When John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President of Ghana, unveiled Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2020 elections, it was a moment of historic significance. This decision not only spotlighted Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s sterling credentials but also underscored a commitment to gender inclusivity and intellectual prowess in Ghana’s political landscape.

Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, the founding father of the NDC, upon meeting Prof. Opoku-Agyemang alongside Mahama, remarked on her integrity as the cornerstone of her selection. This endorsement from Rawlings was not just a nod of approval but a testament to her standing and reputation within the political and academic spheres of Ghana. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s background as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana and her tenure as Minister of Education had already set her apart as a trailblazer. Her influence in the Central Region, evidenced by a significant uptick in NDC’s vote tally during the 2020 elections, speaks volumes about her political and social capital.

The choice of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang resonated well beyond the Central Region, garnering approval from a broad spectrum of the Ghanaian electorate. Polls conducted in the run-up to the 2020 elections reflected a widespread appreciation for her candidacy, with a substantial majority recognizing the value she brought to the NDC ticket. Her appeal was not limited to partisan lines; floating voters and various age demographics found her choice both refreshing and inspiring.

ALSO READ: UN urges Ghana not to pass Anti-LGBT Bill (ghanaeducation.org)

John Mahama’s confidence in Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was palpable. He lauded her “overwhelming impressive qualities and confidence,” portraying their partnership as not only a winning combination but as a vehicle for credible and competent governance. Mahama highlighted her achievements, particularly in the educational sector, as indicative of her capability and vision for transformative leadership.

As Ghana inches closer to another electoral cycle, the echoes of the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang ticket’s impact linger. The strategic and symbolic significance of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s candidacy has set a precedent for the role of women in Ghanaian politics and has challenged the political status quo. Her profile—a blend of academic excellence, administrative acumen, and a commitment to social justice—continues to inspire and challenge the narrative around leadership in Africa.

In light of this, it’s clear why there’s a clamor for continuity in the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang ticket for the 2024 elections. Their partnership is not just about electoral politics; it’s about the message it sends to the Ghanaian people and the world about Ghana’s commitment to progressive, inclusive, and transformative leadership. As Ghana prepares for the next electoral showdown, the legacy and the prospect of the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang ticket remain a beacon of hope and a blueprint for future political alignments in Ghana and beyond.

This story was first published on Thursday, June 1, 2023

SOURCE: Ghanaweb – Henry Osei Akoto

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to Entertainment news – GhanaEducation.org has a host of articles to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, click here