Nana Oye Lithur, a gender activist, has declined to take up the position of a vice presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party (CPP). The Head of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative has been mentioned among other females as a possible running mate to the CPP’s flag-bearer, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom. “I really wish I could take it up, but I don’t think that the time is now,” Nana Oye Lithur told Joy News’ Sammy Darko on Friday. She explained: “The office of the president of the Republic of Ghana or the vice president of the Republic of Ghana requires some skills, requires some knowledge, requires some experience and requires a lot of time. “And so, in as much as we have been asking and agitating for more representation of women in public office and in the high political offices of Ghana, from where I sit, personally, I do not think this is the appropriate time for me to seek that office.” When asked the time she thinks is appropriate for her, Nana Oye Lithur noted that many women were ready for such position, but regrettably, were denied the opportunity. “It was a very appropriate time for Hajia Alima, it was a very appropriate time for Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu, it was a very appropriate time for the late Hawa Yakubu, but they were not considered and I think that is what I am worried about.” She urged political parties to make conscious efforts to bring into fruition, the concept of gender equality. Nana Oye Lithur, who is also a lawyer, encouraged women to continue advocating for higher positions in politics and in public office. Story by Isaac Essel