Hon. Afenyo-Markin's comments on Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang are disturbingly derogatory and misogynistic. They are not only baseless but also deeply offensive.

The March 11^th, 2024 remarks made by the Majority Leader of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Afenyo-Markin, concerning the selection of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), disturbingly derogatory and misogynistic sentiments. These remarks not only insult Professor Opoku-Agyemang but also cast a shadow on the status of women in Ghanaian politics.

Now let us examine Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s statements, refute them with evidence, and advocate for the categorical rejection of such misogynistic views within Ghanaian political discourse. It is also imperative that Ghanaian electorates, including all women in Ghana, stand united in denouncing such derogatory rhetoric expressed by the leadership of the NPP party. These views have no place in our political discourse and must be rejected to uphold the principles of dignity, respect, and equality for all women.

Hon. Afenyo-Markin's comments, asserting that the choice of Professor Opoku-Agyemang as a running mate indicates a lack of succession plan and visionary leadership within the NDC, are not only baseless but also deeply offensive. Let us dissect these comments to reveal their inherent misogyny and fallacy.

Firstly, the assertion that Professor Opoku-Agyemang, being a woman in her 70s, cannot contribute meaningfully to governance due to her age is a blatant form of ageism and sexism. Age should never be a determinant of one's ability to serve in leadership roles, especially considering Professor Opoku-Agyemang's extensive qualifications and experience. Her distinguished academic career, including positions as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast and Minister of Education, speaks volumes about her capabilities and dedication to public service. By reducing her worth to her age, Afenyo-Markin not only insults Professor Opoku-Agyemang but also undermines the contributions of women in Ghanaian politics.

Furthermore, Afenyo-Markin's assertion that Professor Opoku-Agyemang "could not perform" during her tenure as Minister of Education is unfounded and misleading. Professor Opoku-Agyemang's record of service speaks for itself, with numerous achievements in education policy and reform. To cherry-pick one aspect of infrastructure development and use it to discredit her entire tenure is not only disingenuous but also disrespectful.

Moreover, Afenyo-Markin's attempt to dismiss the leadership of the NDC as lacking vision without providing substantive critique is intellectually dishonest. Such sweeping generalizations serve only to denigrate the opposition party the National Democratic Congress without engaging with their policies or ideas. It is imperative that political discourse be grounded in rational argumentation rather than shallow characterizations made by the NPP majority leader.

In contrast to Afenyo-Markin's derogatory remarks, Professor Opoku-Agyemang's qualifications, experience, and dedication to public service exemplify the kind of leadership Ghana needs. Her academic achievements, leadership roles, and commitment to gender equality and sustainable development make her an exemplary candidate for political office. It is deeply disappointing that instead of engaging with her ideas and vision for Ghana, Afenyo-Markin chose to resort to sexist and ageist attacks.

The statement made by Afenyo-Markin regarding Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang's age is not only discriminatory but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes against women. Referring to her age as a reason for incompetence is akin to a hate crime against women. It undermines her qualifications, experience, and capabilities solely based on her gender and age. Such remarks contribute to a hostile environment for women in politics and reinforce systemic barriers that prevent them from fully participating in leadership roles. It is imperative to condemn such misogynistic rhetoric and advocate for gender equality in political discourse.

In conclusion, the misogynistic rhetoric exhibited by Afenyo-Markin in his remarks concerning Professor Opoku-Agyemang is intolerable and incompatible with Ghanaian politics. It is incumbent upon all citizens, irrespective of gender, to repudiate such discriminatory views and uphold principles of dignity, respect, and meritocracy in political discourse. As the 2024 elections draw near, Ghanaian women must unite in solidarity against misogyny and cast their votes decisively against the New Patriotic Party. Instead, they should support the National Democratic Congress, a party known for its commitment to inclusivity and equity in Ghanaian politics.

Ebenezer Ato Ntarkurfah Jackson, Cornell University, Johnson School of Business, MBA Class of 2015, [email protected]