Gender Advocate salutes Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang

Nana Oye Lithur, former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection on Monday described the selection of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Running Mate of Former President John Dramani Mahama as game-changer in the political landscape of Ghana.

“The dawn has broken and she has come! – Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as the first-ever Running Mate of a major political party under the fourth republic. The main opposition party has broken the gender barrier and selected an accomplished woman as a potential Vice President of the country.

“History is being made today; a historic day for women’s empowerment and democracy in Ghana. At long last, the biggest political party in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has nominated a woman as its Running Mate,” Nana Oye stated in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

She described the selection as unprecedented between the two leading Political Parties the NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), it is the right choice, she is the right person for the tough job joining Former President Mahama to rescue Ghana.

“When former President Mahama wins elections on December 7th, 2020, Prof Naana Opoku Agyemang will be the first female Vice President of Ghana. Deja vu? Yes. Live Pure, Speak True, Right, Wrong, Follow the King’. The motto of Prof Naana’s alma mater, Wesley Girls High School resonates with me, as I quietly reflect on the significance of this historic announcement by the NDC.

“Prof Naana is the epitome of our motto. Her achievements are unparalleled and will be chronicled throughout the coming days. I open another door for you, catch a glimpse of the other side of Prof Naana; the mother, sister, colleague, and friend.

“Astute, accomplished, loyal, honest, high integrity, committed, intelligent, results-oriented, focused, decisive, forthright, a leader, caring, empathetic, fun, and inspiring. Her accolades will fill a book. Simply put, she is a gem,” the former Gender Minister stated.

Nana Oye Lithur noted: “I am happy for Ghana, I am very happy about the choice of Prof Naana as our Running Mate for the 2020 NDC Presidential ticket. She is the right choice. Prof Naana is a safe pair of hands.

“Prof Naana is a God-fearing ethical leader, a patriotic daughter of Ghana who will lead Ghana boldly, courageously, passionately, and successfully. Her life achievements and successes as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and a Minister of Education speak volumes”.

Nana Oye Lithur who is Gender Advocates explained that the Running Mate will perform with the same excellence as the first female Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.

“We women of Ghana stand solidly behind you Prof Naana. May the good Lord guide and protect you to support Former President Mahama to lead Ghana to peace, stability, and prosperity. Prof Naana, women of Ghana are so proud of you!

Nana Oye Lithur recounted that Ghanaian Gender Advocates in 2015 pledged to work towards a female President or Vice President by 2030, which would be in tune with the framework of the UN Commission on the Status of Women’s (CSW59) reinvigorated targets for the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

She said the Ghana Women reinvigorated targets for the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action states that within the next 15 years ‘2015’ women must occupy 60 percent of Ministerial portfolios especially Finance, Energy, Education, and Health.

Fifty percent of Vice-Chancellors and University Professors must be women, 60 percent of state corporation Chief Executive Officers; Ghana Club 100 Chief Executive Officers, and Bank Chief Executive Officers.

The former Gender Minister said the Ghana Women 2030 reinvigorated Beijing Declaration was touted at Ghana’s side event at the CSW59 session at New York in March 2015.

Nana Oye Lithur commended the former President Mahama, the national leadership of the NDC, and rank and file for endorsement of Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Running Mate in conformity UN Women Agenda 2030.