“I represented the President, not myself” – Nana Yaa Jantuah responds to Afenyo-Markin’s remark

Presidential Aide Nana Yaa Akyenpim Jantuah expressed her dismay over Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin's disparaging remarks regarding her during the presentation of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) petition at the Jubilee House. The Minority Leader's comment, which referred to her as a "nobody," according to Ms. Jantuah, was not only highly disrespectful but also not only dishonored the position she held but also her character.

During her interview on Asempa FM's Ekosiisen on Thursday, August 6, she stressed that she was representing President John Mahama and not herself at the time. "I'm so mortified that you could stand there and look in the face of a woman and tell that woman she is nobody. I just cannot comprehend what happened," she said, expressing her shock at the Minority Leader's behavior.

Jantuah clarified that the President had appointed her to receive the petition because the Chief of Staff and other senior government officials were occupied with the August 6 commemoration ceremony. She also added that the Presidency could have chosen any official, including security personnel present at the Jubilee House, but she was selected because she was considered suitable for the role.

The Presidential Aide concluded by asserting that Mr. Afenyo-Markin's remarks displayed a profound lack of respect for women and public office. She highlighted the NPP's call for respect, but criticized the party's inability to reciprocate such respect, especially to women.