Legal Director of the United Party (UP), Andrew Appiah Danquah, has cautioned against public pressure on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings into his Cabinet solely because of her family background, stressing that governance in a republic must not be treated as a matter of inheritance.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV with Selorm Adonoo on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Mr Danquah said while Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings’ leadership and competence are widely recognised, the President must be allowed the full discretion to form his team based on his own vision and judgement.
“I’ve not believed in things being handed over, this is a republic, it’s not a monarch. I think the President ought to have the space to choose his own Cabinet. So for me, I don’t stand with the view that only because she [Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings] is a daughter of Rawlings…” he said.
Mr Danquah, however, commended Dr Zanetor for her record of public service, noting that her growing influence within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and across the political landscape could position her for higher office in the future.
“But having said that, I think her competence, her leadership skills is not in doubt. And I think that Ghanaians will recognize that, I think the party itself will recognize that and in due course I won’t be surprised at all if she puts herself up for Presidency,” he added.
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has questioned President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to exclude Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey , from his Cabinet.
Afenyo-Markin said her omission was surprising, given her political influence and the enduring legacy of her late father, former President Jerry John Rawlings.
But Appiah Danquah maintained that while legacy and lineage often shape public expectations, Ghana’s democracy must continue to prioritise merit and performance over family connections.
“I don’t think we should put any pressure on His Excellency John Mahama to appoint her only because she is the daughter of J.J Rawlings,” Mr Danquah stressed.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, daughter of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings and the late former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
