I was trained to use my hands - Oko Vanderpuije

Accra mayor, Dr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije has put up a spirited defense of his photos that went viral on social media somewhere last week, engaging in activities predominately reserved for women.

Dr, Vanderpuije is contesting the Ablekuma South Constituency seat on the ticket of the governing National Democratic Congress.

The parliamentary aspirant was captured braiding a lady’s hair and cooking banku on hot fire.

Some have ridiculed him for the action, but the mayor in an interaction with 3FM Sunrise morning show host Winston Amoah on Thursday boasted about his skills.

“When I was growing up, my parents ensured that I developed skills, about the use of hands to be able to stand the test of time. I had three sisters and I used to braid their hair. I braided my wife’s hair and that of my two daughters too when they were growing up. I also learnt to sew from my mother who was a seamstress. I am also a very good cook”.

He also explained the rationale behind the pictures: “In this dispensation, I believe that if Ghana will move to the next level of our development, we’ll have to prioritize skills development. We have to teach our youth how to use their hands; we have to return to the farm.

“We have to add value to the things we do. It’s acceptable for me to come to your station and sell myself but if I braid hair people have a problem.

“But we forget that the hair industry is a major industry that needs our support. So I braided the hair to let them know that I have the skills, I understand their business and I am there to help them advance their business.”