Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has responded to criticisms from Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioning her suitability for the second highest office based on her age.

Mr Mahama, 65, named Prof Opoku-Agyemang, 72, as his running mate for the second time in the race for the presidency.

The Effutu lawmaker speaking on the floor of Parliament in March this year asserted that the NDC flagbearer made a wrong choice for running mate, as they represent the “same old NDC.”

“The person is over 70 years, we have no succession plan. From day one, their government will be in crisis. They went to pick the very old person who could not perform at the Education Ministry,” he said.

Many perceived Afenyo-Markin’s comments as an attempt to undermine her candidacy by focusing on her age rather than her qualifications and accomplishments.

But the academician, during an engagement with female media professionals in Accra, confidently stated that she is proud of her age, countering the comments from Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

She emphasised that her experience and wisdom, garnered over the years, would be invaluable assets for her role should the NDC win the election.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang highlighted that her extensive background and knowledge make her well-equipped to contribute effectively to the country’s leadership.

“Let everybody understand that I’m very proud of every minute God has given me and if he gives me more, I’ll be more grateful. But my life is in His hands, not anybody’s hands. I don’t consider my age as a nuisance, I consider it as a blessing, so that is it.

“What else is there to say? Is that all they could say? Did they also say that I was corrupt? Why couldn’t they say that I was insulting people?”

“You see, a lot of these things we must see as unnecessary and unuseful distractions. Is that all they can say? They should find other forms. What about their own selves? I never said I was an angel but I don’t think I’ve killed anybody’s child.

“So I’m happy with myself, I’m proud of how far God has brought me and I believe God will take everybody much further,” she stated.