The National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2020 presidential running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has said she would justify her selection as the vice-presidential candidate of the party.
Partnering the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, for this year’s election, Prof Opoku-Agyemang claimed the John and Jane ticket was poised to face the difficulties of the country.
She was making her maiden official speech on Monday, after accepting the nomination as the running mate to her former boss when she was the Education Minister.
She said: “I am deeply humbled by the trust of our party and nation, and I am excited to make the case to the good people of Ghana as to why the J&J ticket is best poised to confront the daunting challenges of our time and usher Ghana into recovery and prosperity.”
One-time Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof Opoku-Agyemang remarked in her address that it would be her mission to ensure that the voices and concerns of children, youth, aged, and persons with disabilities are reflected in critical decisions.
She believed that together, Ghanaians can “strategise to solve long-standing problems of needless and unproductive discrimination, and thrive as valued citizens.
I want you, all of us, in whatever demographic category, to know that I will carry your voices forward. Together, we can make it happen. This, I pledge to you.”
Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s first speech has been largely described as uninspiring, but the opposition NDC disagrees with that assertion.
Whereas a section of the public expected the usual strong political provoking jabs and open innuendos, the NDC rather say this is the new norm, where discourse would be garnished with decorum.
Meanwhile, the woman, who traces her roots to the Central Region, said her parents believed that good, quality education and hard work would open a world of possibilities.
Talking of quality education, the Prof would face fierce debates on her record at the Education Ministry under the previous Mahama administration, a promise the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made.
Touching on tackling issues relating to youth and gender issues in politics, Prof Opoku-Agyemang asserted that there were four crucial factors to considering today’s turbulent political and economic climate.
“First, we must be mindful of the fact that 60% of our population will be under the age of 30 in a few years. That is why it is so critical that we systematically reform all our systems to effectively address the aspirations of our youth and country.
“Second, we need meaningful, quality and comprehensive education that goes beyond access and responds to the future we can actualise
“Third, we must leverage on vocational and technical training to equip many into meaningful and fulfilling work.
“Fourth, we must provide opportunities that transcend political patronage, ‘connection’ and the practice of whom-you-know. Equal and fair opportunities, based on merit, are an imperative for sustainable economic growth. The time for that shift is now.”
According to her, in the past, and more so very recently, she has had extensive discussions with John Mahama about issues confronting the country and his vision for the coming years, which, she added, have been broad, passionate and engaging.
Meanwhile, the flagbearer, John Mahama, in introducing his running mate, described her as a woman who has contributed to shattering the many glass ceilings that have held women down for generations.
He posited that the NDC has a lot to show on putting women at the forefront of leadership. He opined that women constitute about 50% of Ghana’s population, and as such, must lead to advance the nation’s progress.
“And we have been vindicated at every turn by the sterling output of these highfliers. It was the NDC that presented Ghana’s first female Speaker of Parliament, the female Foreign Minister, the first female Attorney General, the first female Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the first female Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education, and the first female Chairperson of the Council of State,” he boasted.
The post I’ll make good case for John & Jane ticket -Prof Opoku-Agyemang appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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