Paul Eric Ofori, the Head of Research at the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has criticized Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s remarks against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, calling them unfortunate and shortsighted.
Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, made comments in Parliament on Monday, March 11, suggesting that the selection of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a woman in her 70s, as the NDC’s running mate, reflects a lack of succession plan and visionary leadership within the party.
His remarks provoked strong reactions from the Minority Caucus, leading Afenyo-Markin to retract his comments.
Speaking on the Breakfast Daily program on Citi TV, Eric Opoku emphasized that Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s extensive experience speaks for itself, and Afenyo-Markin’s comments were unwarranted. He highlighted the unnecessary nature of such remarks, considering the distinguished career and capabilities of the NDC’s running mate.
“Prior to even being the running mate, she had been the vice chancellor for a whole university, then also became the Education Minister, so in terms of experience, she comes in with a lot of experience, and I do not think that it is in the place of Alexander Afenyo-Markin to sort of denigrate the image of the selection choice of John Dramani Mahama.
“I was hoping that we would look at what she can do rather than her age. If we consider that part, then it will mean that we are not giving a voice to the women who want to come into politics. For a no less a person than the Majority Leader in Parliament to make such a statement is most unfortunate and myopic on his part to attempt to think that Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang comes in with nothing.”
