In what can be seen as a content analysis, Minister of communications and MP for the Ablekuma West Constituency, Mrs. Ursula Owusu Ekuful, has described a statement by the Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama as something that connotes tokenism.
According to her, a part of Mr. Mahama’s post on Facebook after the nomination of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate that contained the sentence “we have shown that we are willing to let women take their place and be part of decision making at the highest level” although has a good intention, did not come out well.
“We have done well so far but there is more left to do to make it easier for women to engage in politics. All our structures militate against the advancement of women. And one thing John Mahama wrote on his Facebook page that I read was that ‘we are willing to let women…’ Really? Is it up to you?” she questioned adding “so if I say this is also tokenism, that’s where it’s coming from”.
Speaking on the Kokrokoo Morning show, Thursday, she said there was the need for the country to look at this matter dispassionately devoid of political inclinations as Ghana’s record so far is not a good one.
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“But when we are talking about women in decision making, it is not just token appointments that will change our fates…our record in Ghana is not good. This is not NPP-NDC, we are all guilty. So let’s take a dispassionate look at it to see how we will deal with it to give women the needed space to play a part in the country’s politics. If we are not part, it falls short. That is a clear fact” she said.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma-West Constituency went on to add that it is important Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agymang is judged based on her track record instead.
“I also congratulate her on her nomination as running-mate and she’s welcome to the club. I have said that no one should insult her in her personality…judge her on her track record. What work did she do whiles in government? What value is she bringing to the ticket she has been nominated for? Exactly what is she going to do to add to the ticket she is running on? Per my small analysis done so far, it is much ado about nothing…I’m waiting to see what she has to say to engage her on that” she stated.
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Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful also hit on the need to have a second look at how the public acceptance of individuals who come up to willingly serve the country in political offices like that of vice-presidential candidates suffers after these political ventures.
According to her one’s career can suffer as a result of this which militates against the growth of women on the political space here in Ghana unlike in other countries where that could rather become opportunities for an individual.
