Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has come out to criticize political experts and commentators who have raised doubts about the qualifications and readiness of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to take on the role of Vice President.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Ablakwa passionately defended the former Education Minister, who was officially unveiled as the running mate of NDC flagbearer John Mahama for the second time.
Highlighting Prof Opoku-Agyemang’s illustrious career, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized her trailblazing achievements both at the international and domestic levels. He pointed out her groundbreaking feats, such as being the first female Vice Chancellor of a public university, the first Ghanaian to head FAWE in Kenya, and the first Ghanaian to serve as Chancellor of a women’s university in Zimbabwe.
Despite her international recognition and numerous accolades, Prof Agyemang faces skepticism within Ghana regarding her readiness for high-level positions. Mr. Ablakwa expressed concerns about this dichotomy and urged for a fair assessment of her credentials and track record.
Mr. Ablakwa also highlighted Prof Agyemang’s successful tenure as Vice Chancellor of a renowned university and her influential role in education reforms as Minister of Education.
He commended her for spearheading initiatives such as the conversion of Polytechnics to technical Universities and the abolition of the shift system in basic schools, addressing longstanding challenges in the education sector.
In light of these accomplishments, Mr. Ablakwa underscored the importance of recognizing Prof Agyemang’s substantive contributions over superficial attributes. He lamented a cultural tendency in Ghana to prioritize “talkers” over individuals who deliver tangible results.
The debate surrounding Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s readiness for the role of Vice President continues to spark discussions and reflections on the criteria for assessing leadership potential in Ghana’s political landscape.
