Beyond The Gender Lenses!

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday officially outdoored its Vice President in the lead up to the December polls.

Even before Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang was inaugurated, there was lots of talk as to what she brings on board to support what political opponents claim was the ever-dwindling electoral fortunes of John Dramani Mahama.

Others also question her integrity and commitment during her tenure as Education Minister under the erstwhile Mahama-led administration, normally citing among other things, the cancellation of the teacher trainee allowance during her time.

Another school of thought had opined that the selection of Prof Opoku-Agyemang is a vote for gender equality and gender empowerment.

Some have equally argued that the gesture again is another opportunity for the NDC to get some good votes from pro-feminist groups.

Be that as we may, the real business of politicking or what she brings on board is what all persons wait to see.

In other words, the impact of the ‘woman power’ must be seen and felt especially when all eyes seem to be on her in respect of the electoral fortunes she brings on board.

THE NEW PUBLISHER feel that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has to do a great deal of work to douse the political blaze Prof Opoku-Agyemang wields.

This is because the demeanour of the former Education Minister on Monday shows her command over the communication techniques necessary in the effort to win over sections of the public.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s academic articulation at her outdooring ceremony, goes a long way to authenticate her as a boost for the John Mahama’s election 2020 bid.

The paper holds that the political debacle between the two will be one to look out for, if her submissions at the University of Professional Studies on Monday is anything to go by despite claims that she will not be able to meet the standard as Vice President because of her gender and little political background.

Already, the supposed supremacy the NPP’s economic-wizard, Dr. Bawumia had over the educationist has been nullified by Professor Kwesi Botchwey’s, assertion the Vice President position is not preserved for only persons with a background in Economics.

Professor Kwesi Botchwey is rather quoted to have said that the Vice Presidential position requires someone who has a diverse background.

“There is nothing in our laws and Constitution or anywhere that says that a Vice President must be an economist. What you need is to be a good social analyst with the tools and ask the right questions and be focused on the business of national development. That’s all you need. Naana [Opoku-Agyemang] is a good manager. She has a proven track record. She’s led a public institution. She can do the job and she can debate any economist,” he insisted.

While the Paper wishes her well in her new office, it is also equally important that she makes a mark and justify her appointment.

Whether or not John Mahama has made a good choice for the Veep position must go beyond gender consideration and rather look if she is the best choice for the party.