On Thursday, March 7, Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), named Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as his running mate for the upcoming presidential elections on 7th December, 2024.
This marks their second collaboration after the 2020 elections, where they contested against the current government. Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s nomination has sparked a wave of congratulatory messages across social media, underscoring her national prominence and has sparked lively discussions in the media. In light of this significant announcement, I explore seven (7) key strengths the Professor brings to the NDC ticket, to enhance the understanding of her role in the party’s strategy.
- The women constituency
The significance of women within the nation’s population cannot be overstated. According to the Ghana Population and Housing Census 2021 by the GSS, women constitute a population of 15,631,579. Among them, 59.3% are 18 years and above, indicating an average of 9.2 million Ghanaian women eligible to vote. To contextualize this, let’s refer to the 2020 voter details: out of 17,027,641 eligible registered voters, 8,810,283 were females, as per the Electoral Commission’s data. This demographic represents a substantial and politically influential constituency.
As a woman, Professor Naana Jane epitomizes this constituency, particularly in an era where gender equality and women’s representation are pivotal issues in politics. Women are steadfastly advocating for equitable representation in leadership roles. Thus, the Professor’s nomination resonates well with the prevailing political climate, symbolizing a significant stride towards greater gender inclusivity in Ghana’s political structure. Her presence on the ticket not only amplifies women’s voices but also inspires aspiring female leaders nationwide.
A standout attribute of Professor Opoku-Agyemang is her steadfast commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, actively dismantling barriers to women’s participation across various societal spheres. Her nomination as the vice-presidential candidate not only underscores her capabilities but also acknowledges the pivotal role of women’s leadership in shaping Ghana’s future.
Moreover, Professor Naana Jane’s inclusion on the ticket aligns with the United Nations’ SDG Goal 5, aiming to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Consequently, her nomination is poised to garner attention from the international community and organizations invested in women’s and gender empowerment. Her potential ascension as the first female vice president in the country’s history carries historical and monumental significance, bolstering Ghana’s standing in the global gender equality discourse and potentially attracting investment in gender-related initiatives.
- The academic constituency
Prof. Naana Jane’s background as a highly accomplished academician and educationist resonates profoundly with a crucial demographic in Ghana: the educated populace. The significant impact of the education sector on the country’s political dynamics cannot be discounted. Professor Naana Jane has dedicated over 40 years of her professional life to the classroom, commencing as a teaching assistant in the Department of English at the University of Cape Coast in 1977. She ascended through the ranks, becoming a confirmed lecturer in 1986 and eventually attaining the esteemed position of professor in 2001.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has served in various capacities within academia, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Academic Director, and notably, as the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana in 2008. Her tenure as Minister for Education in 2013 further solidified her reputation as a consummate teacher and educationist. Prof. Naana Jane has engaged with stakeholders across the education spectrum, from students and teachers to lecturers, university administrators, and education CSOs, establishing herself as a prominent figure and brand within the sector.
The education sector is a substantial ‘constituency’ in the body politic of the country, comprising approximately 10 million stakeholders, including about 7 million pupils in basic schools (and their parents/families), 2 million students in secondary schools, nearly 500,000 students in tertiary institutions and the over 500,000 teaching and non-teaching staff across all the levels. These numbers represent a politically fertile ground that can be leveraged for the collective good, and Prof. Naana Jane, who is key figure in the sector, is anticipated to ensure the sector’s representation and garner the necessary support. Moreover, considering the current challenges and mess of the education sector, it is clear that the education will be a pivotal factor and one of the major deciders in the upcoming elections. Therefore, Prof. Naana Jane’s proximity to key decision-makers as a vice presidential candidate positions her to advocate for and reinstate the quality education that Ghanaians earnestly seek and deserve.
- The Central Region constituency
Prof. Naana Jane’s roots run deep in the Central Region, where she is hailed as a native daughter. Born and raised in Cape Coast, the heart of the region, she has endeared herself to the people and become the ‘darling’ girl of the region. Her secondary education at Wesley Girls’ School and her university degree from the University of Cape Coast further solidify her bond with the region.
For over four decades, Prof. Naana Jane has not only resided in the Central Region but also contributed significantly to its intellectual landscape, serving as a distinguished university teacher and becoming the first female Vice Chancellor of the region’s premier university- UCC.
Politically, the Central Region holds a unique position. Touted as a swing region, it lacks allegiance to any particular political party, with its checkered voting pattern. However, in a developing democracy like Ghana, where ethic and communal ties remain influential in elections, the selection of Prof. Naana Jane, a beloved daughter of the Central Region, carries profound implications for the region’s electorate. In addition to her competence, her candidacy resonates deeply with the people within and outside the region.
With her candidacy, Prof. Naana Jane not only carries the aspirations of the Central Region but also embodies the hopes of the Akan group, which constitutes a significant portion of the nation’s population. Her presence on the political stage is poised to leave an indelible mark in the upcoming elections, symbolizing unity and representation for her region and beyond.
- The Youth constituency
I have observed that one of the major discussions that have come up in the media is the age of the professor and whether she can relate with the youth. However, her professional background and personal commitment to youth empowerment paint a different picture altogether.
As a university teacher, Professor Naana Jane’s daily interactions revolve around young minds within and outside the vibrant university community. The university campus serves as a melting pot of youthful energy, where she not only imparts knowledge but also actively engages in dialogue and exchange with students. This immersive environment allows her to glean firsthand insights into the aspirations, concerns, and challenges faced by the youth.
Furthermore, Professor Naana Jane deliberately surrounds herself with a lot of young people beyond the confines of academia. She collaborates actively with and mentors the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. By fostering these connections, she cultivates a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the youth.
Her tenure as Minister of Education further amplifies her understanding of youth-related issues. Having overseen educational policies and reforms, she is acutely aware of the challenges confronting young graduates, including unemployment and the quality of education. Through her experiences both in the classroom and in government, she possesses a good understanding of the systemic barriers hindering youth development and advancement.
Professor Naana Jane’s ability to empathize with the plight of young people isn’t merely theoretical; it’s deeply rooted in her practical engagement and commitment to effecting positive change. She actively listens, observes, and collaborates with the youth. She transcends generational divides and offers a fair balance between the younger and older generation, where the voices and concerns of the youth are valued and addressed.
- The ‘Market’ Economics
Professor Naana Jane is not just a political figure; she embodies the lived experiences of many Ghanaians. As a woman, a mother, and a daughter of the land, she intimately understands the everyday life of the people. As a woman, she goes to the market to buy foodstuffs, where she engages directly with market women, obtaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by ‘ordinary’ Ghanaians in the markets and on the streets.
In her interactions at the market, she directly experiences the rises in prices of essential commodities like tomatoes, onions, fish, fuel, and construction materials such as cement and iron sheets. These experiences sensitise her to the struggles of market women and ordinary citizens when the cost of living escalates. Through these encounters, she gains insights into the realities that shape the daily lives of Ghanaians, far beyond the ‘technical’ economic theories in the textbooks.
Professor Naana Jane’s approach to governance isn’t about inundating the people with abstract economic jargon or distant policies. Instead, she advocates for practical solutions grounded in the realities of the people she serves. Her leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Ghanaians, especially in economic growth and affordability.
By leveraging her firsthand experiences and empathetic understanding of market dynamics, Professor Naana Jane is poised to lead the charge towards tangible economic progress. Her approach prioritizes initiatives that directly impact the lives of citizens, aiming to alleviate the burdens of inflation and high costs of living.
In essence, Professor Naana Jane’s leadership represents a departure from traditional elitist economic approaches. Therefore, you may not hear her speak economic jargons like fiscal policy, GPD, Budget deficit, inflation rate, taxation, exchange rate, market deregulation, pension bonds and banking sector regulation, which are often used to confuse and deceive the ‘average’ Ghanaian. Instead, she champions policies that resonate with the daily struggles of Ghanaians such as foodstuffs, transportation fares, employment, shelter, clothing, school fees, pension benefits, among others.
- Competence
Prof. Naana Jane epitomizes hard work and competence, attributes she brings to the NDC ticket with unwavering dedication. Her remarkable ascent in academia mirrors her relentless commitment, starting as a teaching assistant and ascending to the esteemed rank of professor—a testament to her diligence and work ethic.
During her tenure as Minister for Education from 2013 to 2017, Prof. Naana Jane spearheaded transformative initiatives that reshaped Ghana’s educational landscape. From elevating Colleges of Education to full-fledged tertiary institutions to modernizing Polytechnics into technical universities, her tenure was marked by significant milestones. Noteworthy achievements include the introduction of the private BECE, the completion of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), and the abolition of the quota system in colleges of education, resulting in a substantial increase in enrollment from 9,000 to 15,400 student-teachers.
Her dedication extended beyond policy reforms to tangible improvements in educational infrastructure and access. Under her leadership, 25 District Education Offices were constructed, free laptops were distributed to teachers, and free sanitary pads were provided to girls in basic and senior high schools. Additionally, groundbreaking initiatives such as the construction of 123 Community Day Senior High Schools (E-blocks) with 47 completion, increased capitation grant by 100% for 11,650 public basic schools, distributed 500 vehicles to Educational Institutes, underscore her competence and ability to deliver on her mandate.
Politically, Prof. Naana Jane’s impact is undeniable. In the 2020 elections, her strategic partnership with the flag bearer, JM, led to a significant increase in the presidential votes from 44.6% in 2016 to 47.36%, reflecting her ability to mobilize support and galvanize the electorate with the able support of the party leadership and members. Notably, her influence resonated strongly in her home region, the Central Region, where the NDC secured a notable increase in parliamentary seats from 4 seats in 2016 to 10 seats. These are facts and figures that testify the competence and hard work of Prof. Naana Jane.
As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, competence emerges as a pivotal factor in shaping the nation’s future. Prof. Naana Jane’s proven track record and unwavering dedication position her as a formidable candidate, poised to lead with competence and a steadfast commitment to progress and prosperity.
- Honesty and Integrity
Prof Naana Jane has been in active public service in the past 40+ years. In this period, she has risen to occupy some very sensitive and high-profile positions such as Dean of faculty, Vice Chancelor and Minister for Education. In all these many years of service, she has never had one single scandal against her name. She has carried herself so well in the public space. She communicates in decent language and practically abstains from controversies.
She douses the tension and furry that characterizes the political terrain of the country. She always makes sure monies meant for projects are used for the exact purpose and duly accounted for. With the current mess the nation finds itself, the character of honesty and integrity become very important in the governance architecture. The nation needs someone who is honest, decent, modest, humble and truth. The people of Ghana are tired of the persistent lies and exaggerations politicians bandy about. This is where Prof. Naana Jane comes in as the hope of the people.
In an era marred by corruption and malfeasance, Prof. Naana Jane stands as a beacon of integrity and decency. Her communication style exemplifies civility and respect, eschewing the allure of controversy for principled discourse and reasoned debate. Time and again, she has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the principles of honesty, modesty, and humility, earning the trust and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike.
As Ghana grapples with the challenges of governance, the importance of character cannot be overstated. Prof. Naana Jane embodies the values of honesty, decency, and truth that are indispensable in restoring faith and confidence in the nation’s leadership.
With Prof. Naana Jane on the NDC ticket, Ghanaians can be rest assured that their aspirations for a government grounded in integrity and ethical conduct will be realized. Her unwavering commitment to honesty and transparency not only distinguishes her candidacy but also represents a resounding affirmation of the enduring values that define the Ghanaian spirit.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the elections intensifies, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang emerges as a pivotal figure in the NDC’s campaign narrative. Her nomination as the running mate signifies not just a strategic political move but a testament to her leadership acumen, vast experience, and unwavering commitment to Ghana’s progress.
Professor Naana Jane’s presence on the campaign trail heralds a new era of inclusivity and vision within the NDC. As a seasoned academic and former Minister of Education, she brings a unique blend of intellectual rigor, policy expertise, and grassroots engagement to the forefront of political discourse. Her ability to resonate with voters, irrespective of age or background, speaks volumes about her capacity to connect with the aspirations and concerns of everyday Ghanaians.
Throughout the campaign, Professor Naana Jane will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions across the country. Her articulation of the party’s vision, coupled with her empathetic understanding of the challenges facing Ghana, positions her as a unifying force capable of rallying diverse constituencies behind a shared agenda of progress and prosperity.
Moreover, Professor Naana Jane’s leadership extends beyond mere rhetoric; it is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to tangible change and inclusive governance. Her track record of championing educational reforms, promoting gender equality, and advocating for youth empowerment underscores her dedication to building a more equitable and prosperous society.
As she crisscrosses the nation, engaging with voters, listening to their concerns, and amplifying their voices, Professor Naana Jane embodies the democratic ideals of representation and accountability. Her candidacy symbolizes a departure from traditional political paradigms, ushering in a new era of responsive and people-centered leadership.
In the coming months, as the electoral landscape evolves and the stakes escalate, Professor Naana Jane’s presence will serve as a rallying point for all those who aspire to see Ghana thrive. Through her leadership, the NDC charts a course towards a brighter and more inclusive future, where the hopes and dreams of every Ghanaian find expression in the corridors of power.
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Writer: Daniel Fenyi
The writer is a licensed counselor and professional writer who guides the youth through his writings. If you have any concerns, reach him via email [email protected]