Betty Krosbi Mensah Chastises Afenyo-Markin For Disparaging Prof Opoku-Agyeman

The Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North, Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Memsah has expressed disappointment in the Majority leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin over what she described as his misguided comments against the Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman.

A statement issued by the Afram Plains North Lawmaker said the comments by the Effutu MP did not only show disrespect but also sparks bias against the female gender which frowns on societal norm. 

” In his remarks, Hon. Afenyo-Markin disparaged Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman, questioning her ability to lead the NDC as its running mate in the upcoming elections. He baselessly claimed that she is “over 70 years old, out of juice, and the lack of successive plans for the opposition party,” insinuating that her age, time as minister, and gender disqualifies her from holding such a position of responsibility.

These comments not only show disrespect but also reveal a significant gender bias that is incompatible with our society” the Afram Plains North MP said.

Ms Betty Krosbi Mensah believed that Mr Afenyo-Markin acted the way he did towards Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman she was a woman and stated that it matter was particlarly important because parliament is currently considering the passage of the Affirmative Action bill into law.

 “I firmly believe that if Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman were a male over 70 years old, the Honorable member for Effutu would not have made such derogatory statements.

This is particularly concerning as we are actively working to pass the affirmative action bill to guarantee equal rights and inclusivity for all marginalized groups” she emphasised.

Read the full statement published below:

HONORABLE ALEXANDER AFENYO-MARKIN’S COMMENTS ON PROF NAANA OPOKU-AGYEMAN MISGUIDED AND UNACCEPTABLE 

As a member of parliament representing Afram Plains North and a staunch advocate for women’s rights and equality, I am deeply troubled by the recent comments made by Honorable Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the MP for Effutu Constituency, regarding Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman, the two-time running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In his remarks, Hon. Afenyo-Markin disparaged Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman, questioning her ability to lead the NDC as its running mate in the upcoming elections. He baselessly claimed that she is “over 70 years old, out of juice, and the lack of successive plans for the opposition party,” insinuating that her age, time as minister, and gender disqualifies her from holding such a position of responsibility.

These comments not only show disrespect but also reveal a significant gender bias that is incompatible with our society. I firmly believe that if Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman were a male over 70 years old, the Honorable member for Effutu would not have made such derogatory statements. This is particularly concerning as we are actively working to pass 

the affirmative action bill to guarantee equal rights and inclusivity for all marginalized 

groups.

Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman is not just an ordinary woman; she is a distinguished scholar and catalyst. As the first female vice-chancellor of a public university in Ghana and a former minister of education, among other notable achievements, her credentials speak volumes. 

Her selection as the running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 elections and her subsequent re-selection for the upcoming elections in December 2024 is evidence of her leadership qualities, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our nation. She embodies wisdom, knowledge, humility, and hope for the people of Ghana, especially the girl child. Her candidacy poses a significant threat to the ruling party NPP, leading them to attempt to discredit her. 

It is disheartening to see a fellow member of parliament, who should be a champion for 

equality and fairness, stoop to such levels of disrespect and discrimination. Hon. Afenyo-

Markin’s past actions, such as during the 2023 mid-year budget review when he insulted all 

female NDC MPs in the chamber, are concerning, these incidents have caused significant 

controversy and damage in the past. While he later retracted his statements and apologized, 

it is essential that he now retracts his recent comments about Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman. 

As a long-serving MP familiar with the parliamentary standing orders, he should 

demonstrate better judgment and issue a formal apology to Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman, all 

women, and NDC members for his remarks.

I want to use the opportunity to call on all gender advocates and well-meaning Ghanaians

to rise and support this milestone achieved by a woman and appreciate the NDC for 

recognizing her in the higher office of a running mate and to disassociate themselves from 

discriminatory political comments such as what the leader of the majority has done.

As we work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society, let us not allow divisive 

rhetoric and baseless attacks to detract us from our goal of creating a better future for all 

Ghanaians. Prof Naana Opoku-Agyeman deserves our respect and admiration, and it is time 

we recognize and celebrate her contributions to our nation.

Together let’s make history and Ghana proud. 

God bless our homeland Ghana and make our Nation great and strong.

Signed

Hon Betty Naana Efua Krosbi Mensah

MP Afram Plains North