The African Centre for Women in Politics (ACWP) has described the appointment of Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as 'a fulfillment that has been long-awaited by women in Ghana, in Africa and the world at large."

In a press release, the group explained that, her appointment indicates the great progress women in general are making to become part of the decision making process for the country.

"Women must be recognized as partners in development, giving cognizance of the roles they play and not only suitable as kitchen or bedroom “tools”. More women should be given such challenging opportunities to see and measure how far we can travel as a country, after 63 years of independence.

Signed by the Executive Director, Alimatu Issahak, the statement also said her appointment "will further deepen the confidence of women across the country especially in developing their competencies so as not to be left out on the decision-making table."

"Obviously, the journey of Prof. Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang did not just start today; it is born out of dent of hard work, persistence, and commitment. Her achievements are unparalleled and will be chronicled throughout the coming days. This serves as a form of encouragement to all ambitious young females that their ambitions will be fulfilled one day if they work hard enough."

They have therefore thrown their full support behind her to ensure that this great stride for women becomes a reality.

"The argument many gender activists including ACWP have always made is that, political opportunities should be accessible to competent women just as men. By taking such an important decision, we are assured that this will further deepen the democratic credentials of the country and the NDC’s name will go down memory lane as the first major political party in the Republic of Ghana to create such opportunity for a woman to be invited to such an enviable office.

"On this note, we want to officially congratulate Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for this high recognition and urge her to stay strong, focused and shred negativity. Roar and soar higher by eschewing unreasonable comments. Be Bold and fearless in serving and defending our beloved country forever."

Find the full statement from the group below

CHOOSING PROF. NAANA JANE OPOKU-AGYEMANG AS A RUNNING MATE, A SIGN OF THE NDC’S COMMITMENT TO FEMININE PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS

The ACWP wishes to congratulate the NDC as a party and their flag bearer for taking such a bold step to nominate and confirm the first female running mate and a potential first female vice president of the Republic of Ghana since independence. It is no doubt that the flag bearer of the NDC has made an enviable choice particularly when the entire world is rallying for gender equality and or balance.

The ultimate congratulations go to Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for this great achievement. Over the years, all political parties in the country have lamented on the low interest of female participation in politics. Albeit this gap has well been noticed, little is done by these political leaders (predominantly men) to find a solution to this bottleneck. It is quiet encouraging that the NDC has gone beyond the odd to nominate and confirm a woman to partner its presidential candidate. A woman of high repute and competencies to occupy this highly enviable position. This indeed is a fulfillment that has been long awaited by women in Ghana, in Africa and the world at large. It is not an achievement of Prof. Jane alone but of all women in the world, it shows that we are making great strides in our small locus. This nomination will further deepen the confidence of women across the country especially in developing their competencies so as not to be left out on the decision making table.

The argument many gender activists including ACWP have always made is that, political opportunities should be accessible to competent women just as men. By taking such an important decision, we are assured that this will further deepen the democratic credentials of the country and the NDC’s name will go down memory lane as the first major political party in the republic of Ghana to create such opportunity for a woman to be invited to such as an enviable office.

It is not surprising that the mantle of leadership settled on Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. She has been an epitome of an intellectual goddess, with impeccable qualities. She has worked to attain this current laurel and must be emulated by young intelligent women in the country. Obviously, the journey of Prof. Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang did not just start today; it is born out of dent of hard work, persistence and commitment. Her achievements are unparalleled and will be chronicled throughout the coming days. This serves as a form of encouragement to all ambitious young females that their ambitions will be fulfilled one day if they work hard enough.

Women must be recognized as partners in development, giving cognizance of the roles they play and not only suitable as kitchen or bedroom “tools”. More women should be given such challenging opportunities to see and measure how far we can travel as a country, after 63 years of independence.

On this note, we want to officially congratulate Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for this high recognition and urge her to stay strong, focused and shred negativity. Roar and soar higher by eschewing unreasonable comments. Be Bold and fearless in serving and defending our beloved country forever.

Once again, AWCP wishes to congratulate you on your confirmation as the running mate of the NDC and subsequently, the potential first female vice president of the republic of Ghana. Although it is a herculean task, we have no iota of doubt in your abilities. To all women, the future we have always wished for is finally here. It is possible to dream, because it is achievable, its time to believe in ourselves by adequately preparing ourselves for future opportunities. Lets all rally behind Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and be part of this indelible history. First female vice president is our objective, eye on the goal. Ayekoo!!!to all women in Ghana.

Signed
Alimatu Issahak, PhD Research Student
Executive Director
0244222675

Eunice Yogri, PhD

Head, Gender and Policy Desk

0244454644