Chairman of the South African National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has voiced his opinion regarding the selection of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as former President Mahama’s running mate.
He has implied that it has caused unease within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr Quashie highlighted Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s impeccable reputation and her suitability as a complement to former President John Dramani Mahama.
“Prof is a good person and would bring in a lot of development to the country as vice president who comes in with a lot of competence. This is the reason why she intimidates the NPP. When somebody intimidates them, they would run round and dig the person and raise all manner of accusations against the person,” he stated.
Speaking to Nana Otu Darko on Accra FM’s “The Citizen Show” on Saturday, 27th April 2024, he recounted her impressive trajectory, citing her role as the first female Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, her academic accolades, and her contributions at the Ministry of Education, which he believed made her a formidable choice for running mate.
He emphasized that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s competence would contribute significantly to the country’s development as vice president, which, he claimed, was why she unnerved the NPP.
“Never in the history of the 4th republic has anyone delivered a speech with such a fearless and passionate appeal to the conscience of Ghanaians” adding, this makes him feel proud that her daughter has someone to look up to and say, “it’s possible and can be done. Prof brings a lot to the people,” he added.
Mr Quashie asserted that since her nomination, the NPP had failed to identify any flaws in her character, resorting instead to baseless accusations.
Regarding her introduction to the Ghanaian electorate, Quashie praised her speech as unprecedented in the history of the Fourth Republic, portraying her as a fearless and passionate advocate for the nation’s conscience.
He expressed pride in the prospect of his daughter having a role model like Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, emphasizing her potential to inspire positive change.
Mr Quashie further argued that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s impact would extend beyond the NDC, benefiting the entire Ghanaian populace.
He contrasted her with the current Vice President, whom he criticized as indecisive, suggesting that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s leadership would bring a much-needed dynamic shift.
Concluding, he predicted that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, with her distinguished background, would become Ghana’s first female Vice President, utilizing her expertise to advance the nation’s development.