‘Vice presidential position not reserved for only economists’ – Kwesi Botchwey
A former Minister of finance, Professor Kwesi Botchwey, has jumped to the defence of the running mate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Some critics of Professor Opoku-Agyemang who was out-doored on July 27 said she was deficient in economics.
They questioned her ability to match up to the running mate of the governing NPP and Vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is an economist.
But speaking to journalists, Professor Kwesi Botchwey said the Vice President position is not preserved for only persons with economic background.
According to him, the position rather requires persons with diverse backgrounds.
“There is nothing in our laws and constitution or anywhere that says that a Vice President must be an economist. What you need is to be just a good social analyst with the tools and ask the right questions and be focused on the business of national development. That’s all you need.
“Naana [Opoku-Agyemang] is a good manager. She has a proven track record. She’s led a public institution. She can do the job and she can debate any economist that we comfort her with,” the leading member of the NDC said.
The Presidential candidate of the opposition NDC, John Dramani Mahama on Monday, July 6, 2020, named Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as
Since her announcement as running mate for the former president, the NDC has come under some criticism from a section of the public, including the governing NPP.
Her critics argue she is not fit for the position due to her little political background and less knowledge in economics.
While others argued she would not be able to execute the task due to her gender, some questioned her integrity and commitment during her tenure as Education Minister under the Mahama-led administration,
Topical among her criticism was the cancellation of the teacher training allowance during her tenure as Minister of Education.
“We have made the best choice for Ghana… We will work for the women of Ghana, we will work for the youth of Ghana, and we will work for the people of Ghana,” John Mahama said during the outdooring ceremony.
According to him, the consideration of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang goes beyond the fact that she is a woman and focuses on her competence and intellect.