Ghana’s path to prosperity: John and Jane, the new paradigm shift

The decision of the National Democratic Congress to partner Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang with former President John Dramani Mahama for the second time has stirred up conversations around gender equality once again in this country.

In this article, I seek to analyze the qualities each of them possesses and how it will impact the development of this country. My focus is on their competence rather than gender equality. That is another important topic for another day.

The partnership between H.E. John Dramani Mahama, a known transformational leader, and Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who is an ardent pragmatist, is a new paradigm shift that resembles the best antidote towards Ghana’s development, growth, and prosperity.

Former President Mahama has proven to be a transformational leader. Through his unique leadership style, he transformed the infrastructural fortunes of this country. During his tenure, Ghana witnessed an unprecedented infrastructural revolution that enhanced the educational, health, technological, road, and transportation settings of the country. His leadership style encourages, inspires, and motivates his team to create meaningful change and positively impact the lives of Ghanaians.

On the other hand, pragmatism is a leadership style that emphasizes the importance of getting things done. As a pragmatic leader, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is goal-oriented and focuses on achieving set targets. She does not tolerate mediocrity and always expects high standards. She values ambition, and competition, and has a results-driven mindset. Her approach is practical, and matter-of-fact, and doesn't let emotions distract her.

The combination of an experienced transformational leader with a proven track record like H.E. John Dramani Mahama and an astute academic like Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who has a proven record of achieving success through her pragmatic approach to leadership, is the best leadership Ghana needs at this crucial moment. Their partnership will bring together experience, knowledge, honesty, and the ability to link theory to practice for realistic results that shape, change, improve, and enhance the lives of Ghanaians from all walks of life.

Unlike the current administration of Akufo-Addo-Bawumia, which relies on rhetoric, sloganeering, and public relations gimmicks, the government of John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Opoku-Agyemang will be result-oriented and driven by impact due to the background, expertise, records, and leadership style of the duo.

Their working relationship will not be that of a driver and his “mate,” but it will be of a driver and his colleague driver, where each one of them will make meaningful contributions to the development of Ghana. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make history, a history that will positively impact the lives of generations to come.

As we move into the 2024 general elections, let’s eschew emotions and passions, let’s look beyond Prof. Opoku-Agyemang being a woman, and consider her past achievements as an academic, an educational minister, and H.E. John Mahama’s achievements as a president with relatively limited resources. Let’s vote massively for the NDC. Let’s take a minute and think about Ghana to make the best decision in the interest of Ghana.

This historic team will lead to inclusivity, and unity, and boost the confidence of all women and girls in this country. It will give women the self-belief that society recognizes their sterling contributions and qualities that have contributed to the development of this country since independence.

The upcoming 2024 election is not between the NDC and the NPP, it is between the NDC and a group of corrupt individuals masquerading as a political party to plunder and bequeath our limited resources to their descendants to the detriment of the larger population. It is about our future, the future of our children, and the future of Ghana.