The Return of Nana Jane - A Tale of Purpose and Excellence

Former President John Mahama has chosen to reaffirm his commitment to inclusivity and diversity by nominating Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang as his running mate for the 2024 elections, marking the second time he has made this groundbreaking decision. This choice not only reflects president Mahama’s clarity of thoughts but also establishes his belief that women of unimpeachable character and integrity should be allowed the space to contribute to shaping the future of our country, Ghana.

Drawing parallels with the global stage, the selection of a female running mate is reminiscent of the impactful decision made by U.S. President Joe Biden when he chose Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential candidate. Harris's tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the Biden campaign and, subsequently, her active involvement in shaping government policies. The selection of Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang echoes the global recognition of women's pivotal roles in shaping the destiny of nations.

President Mahama’s nomination of Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang is a testament to the commitment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to fostering inclusivity within its ranks, setting an example for other political parties to follow. The NDC, as a political entity, prides itself of being the only political party that sees no religion, ethnicity or gender. It values the voices of all Ghanaians equally. This nomination is not merely a symbolic gesture but a genuine effort to empower women across the nation.

The venerable professor’s nomination is not borne out of the mere fact that she is a woman. It is borne out of the excellence and dedication with which she maned her previous roles both in politics and academia.

Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang has an impressive track record as an academic, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and Minister of Education under President Mahama's administration.

During her tenure as Education Minister, she facilitated scholarships for 10,400 needy students, with a notable focus on empowering female students. She oversaw Ghana's consistent ranking as the overall best-performing WASSCE nation for four consecutive years. Yes! Four consecutive years! This achievement not only speaks to her effectiveness but also establishes a legacy of educational success that improved Ghana’s standing in the subregion.

Her commitment to education extended beyond traditional boundaries. She initiated the novel construction of 123 E-Blocks, ultimately completing and operationalizing 47 of them. These fully-equipped senior secondary schools have become integral components of Ghana's educational infrastructure. And today, it is serving as pillars of progress in communities across the country.

One of her transformative achievements was the elimination of the obnoxious shift system in public schools through the establishment of Millennium Cluster Schools. This strategic move has had a lasting impact on the educational system of Ghana, as it paved way for the provision of a more conducive and efficient learning environment for all students.

This historic choice sends a powerful message, particularly to women. It is a call to recognize that the NDC values diversity and sees the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the nation's future.

Therefore, It is crucial for women to recognize the significance of this moment and exercise their voting rights to support the NDC in the upcoming elections.

Professor Naana will not be standing for herself alone in this struggle. She will be standing for all women, as Maya Angelou puts it succinctly, "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women."

The success of Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang is intertwined with the success of all Ghanaian women, as her achievements will undoubtedly pave the way for greater opportunities and representation.

This is an opportune moment for feminists to translate advocacy into action by actively joining professor Naana Jane on the campaign trail. By doing so, they will contribute to the broader movement of breaking gender barriers in politics and they will affirm the saying of the fictional Nana Yaa in Efo Kodjo Mawugbe’s novel, that afterall, “In the chest of a woman is not only an extension of the breast and a feeble heart but a flaming desire to possess and use power”

In essence, the nomination of Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang is a powerful affirmation of the capabilities of Ghanaian women. It is a call for unity, empowerment, and collective progress, urging women from all walks of life to rally behind the NDC for a future that embraces and celebrates their invaluable contributions to the nation.

Suadique Musah
Foot-soldier - NDC