Governance Co-ordinator To Quit Position

The Co-ordinator of the National Governance Programme, Mrs Leonora Kyerematen, has given a notice of her intention to quit her job as co-ordinator of the programme with effect from April 30, 2008.

According to Mrs Kyerematen, after eight years of dedicated service in the governance practice, she now intends to pursue other endeavours.

A letter dated February 21, 2008 and addressed to the Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mr Kwadwo Mpianim, which the Daily Graphic sighted, the co-ordinator stated, “I write to give you notice of my intention to resign as a co-ordinator with effect from Wednesday, April 30, 2008.”

She added that, “After eight years of dedicated service in the governance practice area, I wish to pursue other endeavours.”

As Programme Co-ordinator, Mrs Kyerematen's role is to support the capacity building of the independent constitutional bodies, namely the Judiciary, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Electoral Commission (EC), the National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE) and the National Media Commission (NMC) to enable them effectively carry out their constitutional mandate.

When the Daily Graphic contacted her in connection with her resignation, she explained that she was resigning because her name had been bandied within NPP circles, especially among the women groupings as one of the persons who should be selected as the running mate of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

She said as a governance co-ordinator, she must stay apolitical, but now that the perception had been created that she was a possible running mate for Nana Akufo-Addo, she could not still be at the national governance programme, an institution which is a neutral body.

She stated that although it was both humbling and exciting that she had been recognised by some sections of the NPP for the position of a running mate, she would, first and foremost, like to ensure free and fair elections, the result of which would be acceptable to all Ghanaians.

She pointed out that this year's elections would be critical, and must be manifestly seen to be clean and fair.

“I am happy to step out for the larger good to prevail,” she told the Daily Graphic.

On why the NPP women in particular were rooting for her, she explained that, “The outcome of the various NPP congresses confirms to me that the party will always root for the most committed and deserving candidate, and our women are acting in a similar spirit.”

She recalled that during the early period, prior to the return of constitutional rule, she started a women's political empowerment meeting in her house.

She said when the ban on political activities was lifted, two such cells were existing and they merged to form the embryo of the NPP women's wing.

“In those days, when it was not fashionable for professional women to be politically active, I stood up to be counted; I worked for the party and supported the women, both corporately and individually,” she stated.

She said as a counsellor and mentor, during election periods, she would take leave from her legal practice to volunteer her service at the party office.

She, however, pointed out that the position of a vice-president is by appointment and not elective and, therefore, appealed that “after this initial euphoria, while I encourage the debate to continue, I will pursue quiet diplomacy.”

Furthermore, she said the party had its presidential prioritised agenda and that ought not to be interfered with.

Story by Kobby Asmah