Former President John Dramani Mahama has praised his running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as an accomplished woman who will play a crucial role in turning Ghana’s fortunes around.
Speaking at his final rally in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Mahama highlighted the importance of women in Ghanaian politics and expressed his conviction that history will be made on December 7 with the election of a female vice president.
“Our women in Ghana have occupied every important position of the land. They have been Chief Justice, Director of prisons, Speaker of Parliament, Attorney General, Minister and many things but the only places women have not occupied are the two highest positions of the land, thus, vice president and president.”
Mahama expressed his conviction that history will be made on December 7, with the election of a female vice president. “Today, by the grace of God, history is about to be made, for the first time in the history of Ghana, I am convinced that on December 7, we will have a vice president elect who is a woman, and one day a woman will be president of this country,” he said.
He emphasized that Professor Opoku-Agyemang will not be marginalized in his administration. “She is not going to be my driver’s mate, she is going to be my co-driver.”
Mahama credited Professor Opoku-Agyemang with significant achievements during her tenure as Education Minister. “Before she became education minister, four children used to share one textbook but when she became minister, each child had four textbooks.”
He acknowledged her instrumental role in his previous administration’s educational initiatives. “I am credited with the E-blocks and the community day schools, but the one who did the legwork, designs, costing and all technical work was Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.”
Former President Mahama explained that, if elected, he would focus on revitalizing the economy to create employment opportunities and oversee the ministries responsible for the nation’s finances and security.
Meanwhile, Professor Opoku-Agyemang, as vice president, would be responsible for guiding the ministries that provide social services, aiming to alleviate the struggles of women, children, and the most vulnerable members of society.
Mr. Mahama announced that the forthcoming Women Development Bank, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs, expand their businesses, and promote economic self-sufficiency, would fall under the oversight of Professor Opoku-Agyemang. This initiative seeks to reduce poverty in families and communities by supporting women’s economic independence.
