“NDC Cares About Youth, Any Party That Doesn’t Has Lost Its Way” – Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has noted that any political party that does not prioritize youth development has lost its way.

Speaking at the GRASAG Presidential Policy Lecture at the New Examination Centre of the University of Cape Coast, organized by the Graduate Student Association of Ghana (GRASAG), she noted that the NDC as a party cares about the youth in the country evident in the number of policies implemented for their benefit.

“It’s about the youth, and if it’s about the youth, you offer them quality education—the kind of education that would take them far,” she noted.

Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang also pledged that the NDC would cancel the Teacher Licensure Exams, arguing that it undermines teacher education in Ghana.

She emphasized that a critical need for graduate students is access to financial support for their research at the Masters and Doctoral levels. Highlighting the importance of a National Research Fund, she stated that it is essential for helping the youth pursue higher education. According to the former UCC Vice Chancellor, this initiative began during her tenure at the Education Ministry but was misconstrued by the NPP as the cancellation of the Book and Research Allowance for lecturers. The fund was intended to provide researchers, particularly young ones, with the necessary resources to build their capacity.

She noted that the previous NDC government, driven by social democratic principles, extended the Student Loan Scheme to all students in tertiary institutions and increased the loan amounts.

“By 2016, the minimum loan amount had been increased from ¢650.00 to ¢1,000, and the maximum from ¢1,600 to ¢3,000. The NDC would ensure that students can access the loan before they commence their schooling,” she added.

Additionally, she encouraged GRASAG to ensure that the research output of its members is disseminated through policy briefs and other channels, thereby contributing to building the Ghana we envision.

In the speech delivered on behalf of former President Mahama, the NDC running mate expressed her joy about being back home on the UCC Campus. She also commended the university for its achievements and encouraged it to do more.

She also expressed the NDC’s desire to continue the facility advancement agenda that they began whilst in office.

Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku, the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, also praised Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, revealing that his decision to return to teach at UCC was influenced by her.

“She admitted me to teach at the University of Cape Coast, and her motivation propelled me to become a Senior Lecturer,” he said.

He expressed optimism that she would become the first female Vice President of Ghana.

On his part, Professor Joojo Eghan, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences who represented the UCC Vice-Chancellor, commended Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s to education and leadership, expressing the university’s support for her candidacy as running mate.

He highlighted the significant impact Professor Opoku-Agyemang has had on his professional life and on many others, both within and outside Ghana, wishing her success in her endeavors.

The President of GRASAG at UCC, Mr Agyapong noted that the program was a collaborative effort between GRASAG National and GRASAG-Local. He explained that the lecture aimed to bridge the gap between leadership and Ghanaian students, providing a platform for engagement and dialogue.

The National President of GRASAG, Emmanuel Owusu, elaborated on the purpose of the lecture series, describing it as the graduate students’ contribution to nation-building. He emphasized the importance of interrogating the political promises of various flagbearers to ensure that students can make informed contributions to the national agenda.

During the Question and Answer session, students asked pertinent questions stemming from the lecture, which Professor Opoku-Agyemang addressed comprehensively. The National GRASAG executives then presented a report on their research regarding the 24-hour economy to Professor Opoku-Agyemang.

The lecture concluded successfully at 5:15 PM. Notable attendees included:

• Hon. Kwamina Mintah Nyarku, MP for Cape Coast North
• Hon. Richard Gyan, MP for Gomoa West
• Nana Oye Bampoh-Addo, Former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection
• Dr. Peter Boamah Otukunor, NDC Director of Interparty and Civil Society Relations, and Former Deputy General Secretary
• Mr Osman Ayariga, Esq., NDC Deputy National Youth Organizer
• Mr. Ekow Painstil, Central Regional NDC Vice Chairman
• Mr. Mike Derry, Central Regional NDC Organizer
• Lawyer Mohammed Yaya, Central Regional NDC Youth Organizer
• Ms. Gabriella Tetteh, Central NDC Regional Communications Officer
• Mr. Kwame Alovie, Member of the NDC Educational Commission

The event was also attended by constituency executives, party supporters, lecturers, and members of TEIN at the University of Cape Coast.

Source: Newsalertgh