Founder and leader of the Union Government, Akwasi Addai Odike has advised, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama against selecting Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2024 general election.
Mr Odike expressed concerns about Opoku-Agyemang’s age, suggesting that, at 70, she is too old for the role and should be allowed to retire from public life.
During an appearance on the Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM, Mr Odike argued that menopause could affect a woman’s cognitive abilities and physical coordination.
He urged Mahama to reconsider his choice and opt for a more capable candidate, especially from the Ashanti region.
Mr Odike emphasized that the NDC has not adequately rewarded the Ashanti region for its consistent support over the years.
“This woman John Mahama is selecting to partner him as running mate for a second time is too old. She is 70 years old, she is in her menopausal stage. When women are in their menopause, it has an effect on how they do their things. Some of them suffer from dementia and become very forgetful. Menopause can even cause a woman to bathe one leg and leave the other when bathing.
“The woman is too old, you are foisting this lady on Ghanaians. Nobody hates her, but in life, there’s an extent to which everyone can perform. She’s done her part and it is time for others to continue. If John Mahama selected her once and they failed to win power, he should dump her and select a more capable person, especially from the Ashanti region. Otherwise, some of us will wage a campaign against the NDC,” Akwasi Addai Odike said on Ghana Kasa show on Kasapa 102.5FM Tuesday.
The businessman cum politician proposed alternative candidates from the Ashanti region, including Samuel Sarpong, Awuah Darko, Kojo Bonsu, and Dr. Kwabena Duffuor.
He warned that if Mahama persisted with his choice, some individuals would launch a campaign against the NDC.
Despite these objections, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NDC unanimously endorsed the nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as John Mahama’s running mate.
“If you take out the Greater Accra Region, the Ashanti region is the other region that gives the NDC huge votes. The NDC is working hard in the Ashanti Region but the party has decided not to select a leader from that Region. We have great personalities from the Region who could be running mates, the likes of Samuel Sarpong a renowned Security expert, Awuah Darko, Kojo Bonsu and Dr. Kwabena Duffuor who performed excellently while in office as Finance Minister under President Mills. Even late President Rawlings acknowledged the importance of the Ashanti region to the NDC. But sadly, the party has sidelined the region when selecting a president or running mate.”
Mahama, in response to the endorsement, praised Opoku-Agyemang’s qualities and announced that the official public announcement of his running mate would occur on March 7, 2024.