Independent presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako, widely known as Cheddar, has officially named Dr. Maryam Esaka Kriesie as his running mate for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The announcement was made through a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) late Friday night, marking a significant moment in his presidential campaign.
In his post, Bediako expressed his enthusiasm for the decision, stating, “I am pleased to announce that I’ll be embarking on this remarkable journey for the presidency with Dr. Maryam Esaka Kriesie as my running mate, the right mate!” His message was followed by the hashtags #GhanaWillWorkAgain and #VoteNumber12, emphasizing his vision for the country’s future and his optimism for the upcoming elections.
The choice of Dr. Kriesie as a vice-presidential candidate signals a clear focus on economic reform and gender equality, two key areas Bediako is prioritizing in his campaign. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion, as Dr. Kriesie’s impressive background and expertise make her a formidable addition to the ticket. Dr. Maryam Esaka Kriesie is a respected figure in Ghana’s financial sector, known for her extensive experience and contributions to both academia and industry. With a career spanning various senior roles, she has established herself as a leading voice in finance and regulation. One of her most notable roles was serving as a Senior Manager at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Ghana. During her tenure, she was instrumental in overseeing investments and licensing capital market operators, helping to strengthen the regulatory frameworks that have played a crucial role in shaping Ghana’s capital markets. Her work at the SEC has had a lasting impact on the financial landscape of the country, and her insights into regulatory reform have been highly regarded.
In addition to her work at the SEC, Dr. Kriesie has also excelled in the academic world. She has lectured at the University of Ghana Business School and the University of Professional Studies, Accra, where she has educated and mentored the next generation of finance professionals.
Her educational qualifications are equally impressive, with a PhD in Finance, an MBA, and specialized certifications in Islamic Finance and ERP software. These credentials highlight her broad knowledge base and her ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making her an asset to Bediako’s campaign and potential future governance.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kriesie is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, particularly in the economic realm. As a Muslim woman, she has used her platform to promote gender equality, focusing on the empowerment of women in both formal and informal sectors.
Her advocacy efforts have centered on ensuring that women have the necessary tools and resources to succeed economically, and she has been a vocal supporter of policies that provide greater opportunities for women in business and finance. Her work has resonated with many across Ghana, especially among women who see her as a role model and champion for their rights.
Bediako’s decision to choose Dr. Kriesie as his running mate reflects his commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing Ghana and ensuring that gender equality is at the forefront of his policies. By selecting a highly qualified and experienced female leader, Bediako is sending a strong message that his campaign is serious about creating inclusive growth and promoting equality for all Ghanaians.
Dr. Kriesie’s expertise in finance will likely play a key role in shaping the economic policies of Bediako’s platform, and her commitment to women’s empowerment adds a significant dimension to the campaign’s focus on social justice.
As the 2024 elections approach, the Bediako-Kriesie ticket is expected to draw considerable attention from voters who are looking for fresh ideas and leadership. Bediako, with his entrepreneurial background and bold vision for the future of Ghana, has already gained a following, particularly among the youth. His message of economic renewal, innovation, and a commitment to making Ghana “work again” has resonated with many who are disillusioned with the current political landscape.
Dr. Kriesie’s addition to the ticket strengthens this message, offering voters a team that is not only focused on reform but also grounded in real-world experience and solutions.
The partnership between Bediako and Dr. Kriesie represents a new chapter in Ghanaian politics, one that seeks to address the pressing issues facing the nation, from economic stagnation to social inequality.
Their shared vision for the future of Ghana is one of transformation, where the economy is revitalized, and all citizens, regardless of gender or background, have the opportunity to succeed. The choice of Dr. Kriesie also highlights Bediako’s belief in the importance of collaboration and unity, as he brings on board a running mate who shares his passion for change and progress.
As the campaign moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the Bediako-Kriesie ticket shapes the national conversation and appeals to voters across the country. With both candidates offering unique perspectives and skills, they have the potential to galvanize support from a wide range of constituencies.
The upcoming months will be critical as they present their vision for a better Ghana and seek to convince the electorate that they are the right team to lead the country into the future. Nana Kwame Bediako and Dr. Maryam Esaka Kriesie have made a strong statement with this announcement, and their partnership is poised to be a defining feature of the 2024 presidential race.
As they continue to outline their policies and engage with voters, the focus will remain on how they plan to tackle the challenges facing the nation and their vision for a prosperous and inclusive Ghana.
