No One Sleeps in His Suit; A response to Dada Kwaku Duah

In the world of political rhetoric and public discourse, words hold immense power, and silence, when used strategically, can often be more impactful than speech. A famous quote by the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, encapsulates this principle: "If you have nothing to say, don't say it here." This succinct remark underscores the importance of meaningful communication and the idea that if one lacks something of value or substance to contribute, it is often wiser to remain silent. Coolidge's quote implies that people should resist the urge to speak merely to fill silence and should only contribute when they have something relevant, meaningful, or important to say.

This is a principle many public figures, especially in the political arena, should adopt, and it is advice that I hope will reach Dada Kwaku Duah, a musician, for his unnecessary and disrespectful statement about the Vice-Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Dada KD, as he is popularly known, is reported to have said, “So can’t they do something about grandma’s dressing code? Ei! Let me pass and go eh! They’ll definitely come after me with insults, but trust that we have become accustomed to their daily insults.” His comment was not only disrespectful but entirely irrelevant to the political discourse.

Dada KD is, by most accounts, an uneducated and disgruntled musician, and like many individuals of his ilk, his comments lack intellectual depth and often serve no purpose other than to provoke aggressive rhetoric. His remarks on Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s appearance are a reflection of the pettiness that has unfortunately crept into Ghana’s body politic. Rather than focusing on policy or governance, individuals like Dada KD opt to comment on trivial matters, such as appearance, which contributes nothing to the national discourse. Was it not the same when President Nana Akufo-Addo, while in opposition, wore what many mockingly referred to as "boga" oversized suits (sometimes called "bola suits")? And did we not see Gabby Otchere-Darko and other leading figures in less-than-flattering appearances before they came into government?

Moreover, one might ask, what impact do the glamorous outfits and expensive makeup worn by Mrs. Samira Bawumia have on the hungry people of Ghana? If Dada Kwaku Duah had anything constructive to say, he might as well have prayed for better height or personality, rather than resorting to unnecessary attacks. His comment only reminds us of the famous words of Aneurin Bevan, a prominent British Labour Party politician, who said, “No one sleeps in his suit.” This was in response to critics who believed he dressed too casually, a reminder that it is not one’s attire that matters, but rather one’s actions and contributions.

Aneurin Bevan, the architect of the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, understood that superficial concerns, like dressing, are of little consequence when compared to meaningful change. His focus on improving society’s welfare, particularly in terms of healthcare, is still evident today. The NHS, which he helped to establish, remains one of the largest employers in the world, with around 1.3 million employees. This remarkable achievement, stemming from a man who did not concern himself with public opinion about his attire, is a powerful reminder that substance outweighs style. Bevan’s quip, “Why should I care about posterity? What’s posterity ever done for me?” further demonstrates his larger philosophy of prioritising impactful reforms over public perception.

In Ghana, what the country needs at this moment is not political leaders concerned with fancy dressing or maintaining a luxurious lifestyle. Ghanaians are calling for leaders who will prioritise access to quality healthcare, ensure food security, and provide adequate shelter for the population. The so-called "strong fundamentals" that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia once preached about have not yielded the desired results for many Ghanaians, and it is clear that a new direction is needed. This change, which the country is crying out for, could very well come from the leadership ticket of former President John Dramani Mahama and Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is an exemplary figure who stands as a testament to what is possible through hard work, intellect, and dedication. She is a distinguished academic, educator, and politician, with an impressive track record in leadership and governance. Notably, she was the first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana, the University of Cape Coast, where she served from 2008 to 2012. Her appointment was a historic achievement and a significant step towards gender equality in the academic sphere.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang served as the Minister of Education from 2013 to 2017 during John Mahama's presidency. Her tenure was marked by significant reforms, particularly aimed at improving access to education and enhancing the welfare of teachers. Under her leadership, several initiatives were introduced to improve the educational sector, including policies that supported the professional development of teachers and expanded educational infrastructure across the country.

Her selection as the first female vice-presidential candidate for the NDC represents a landmark moment in Ghanaian politics. It is a bold step towards gender inclusivity and sends a strong message about the importance of women in leadership. In a political landscape that has long been dominated by men, her candidacy is a beacon of hope and progress for women across the country. She is not only a symbol of gender equality but also an embodiment of competence and capability.

Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang's vast leadership experience, both in academia and government, positions her well for the office of the Vice President. She is widely respected for her integrity, calm demeanour, and dedication to public service. Her deep understanding of education, coupled with her passion for social justice, brings a crucial perspective to a sector that is vital for the country’s development. Moreover, her commitment to empowering women and young girls by promoting inclusivity in politics and leadership has made her a role model for many.

In conclusion, Dada Kwaku Duah’s remarks are emblematic of a larger issue within our political discourse, where appearance is prioritised over substance. However, as figures like Aneurin Bevan and Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang remind us, what truly matters is not how a leader looks, but what they achieve and stand for. As Ghanaians prepare for the upcoming elections, the focus should be on the policies and capabilities of the candidates, not trivial matters like their attire. With leaders like Professor Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana stands a chance of moving towards meaningful change, where the needs of the people are prioritised over superficial concerns.

Written by,
Lewis Kwame Addo