The African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) has commended the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama for his decision to appoint Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to be his running mate.

In a letter to the Former President, the group described his decision as a deconstruction of normative practices in the political arena especially in Africa where it is mostly uncommon for women to be seen in high political positions.

“Indeed, as believers in true democracy, we have come to the important understanding that balance in all shades and forms, including gender balance, is always a way to go in the quest towards political and societal fairness and equitable representation; and this line we have seen you toed in this recent decision on the choice of a running mate,” they added.

According to AWLO, with Mr. Mahama’s experience as a former president in combination with the expertise and skill of Professor Opoku-Agyemang, “the people of Ghana have a greater hope of democratic dividend across all possible divides and demographics.”

They added that the NDC flagbearer’s decision in choosing a female running mate will go a long way in bolstering women to take up leadership positions thus making them active partakers in policy making.

“Much more, womenfolk in Ghana, West Africa, Africa and the globe will find this innovative step of yours highly commendable and valued, just as we presently do at the African Women in Leadership Organisation."