Women rejected Akufo-Addo's choice of Alima as running candidate in 2008 – Gabby

General News on Thursday, June 6, 2019

Source: clbadfmonline.com

2019-06-06

As a presidential candidate in 2008, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo Dankwa wished to appoint Hajia Alima, Minister of Women and Children Affairs under the leadership of Kufuor, currently Minister Delegate for Local Government and Rural Development. but this has been firmly opposed by other women's groups within the party, said Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the president's cousin.

According to him, Mr. Akufo-Addo has always wanted to give women equal opportunities to serve in various capacities, as part of his personal efforts to empower and amplify them.

In an article on Facebook, Mr Otchere-Darko said: "A little uncomfortable story to tell. Me and my big mouth.

"In early 2008, NPP presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo suggested to her party's leadership that her first choice as vice presidential candidate was the Minister of Women, Hajia Alima Mahama, the largest woman in the party. organized opposition from women, mainly two powerful women's groups: (1) the women's caucus in Parliament and (2) the party organizers.

"In fact, we woke up one morning with two big buses loaded with women organizers across the country, parked in front of the home of the candidate in East Legon to lobby against the choice of the woman. Frankly, it was disheartening and scary. Extremely.

"In 2014/15, the same presidential candidate put the party agenda on how to ensure that women are aggressively selected for winning seats. But other pressing issues inside the party at the time derailed this important movement. I hope the party will put it back on the table. "

Mr Otchere-Darko's comment comes from the media that criticized President Akufo-Addo for President Akufo-Addo, following his participation in a gender discussion outside the country. must be more dynamic if they want to reach the decision-making level.