Independent Presidential Candidate and Leader of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako otherwise known as Cheddar, has unveiled Dr. Maryam Issaka Kriese as his running mate for the December 7 presidential election.
The announcement took place at a press conference in Kumasi, where Cheddar emphasized Dr. Kriese’s exceptional qualifications and her potential to lead alongside him in building a prosperous future for Ghana.
Dr. Maryam Esaka Kriese, a highly respected Ghanaian academic, is renowned for her contributions to higher education and her expertise in development studies, gender issues, and African studies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Ghana and has pursued advanced degrees abroad, focusing on development and gender.
Currently a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr. Kriese is actively involved in research, teaching, and curriculum development.
In her academic career, she has made substantial contributions to critical national economic issues, advocating for progress in gender and development. Dr. Kriese has written over 10 academic research papers, with her work primarily focused on economics. One of her notable publications from 2016, titled “Exchange Rate Forecasting in the West African Monetary Zone: A Comparison of Forecast Performance of Time Series Models,” reflects her in-depth understanding of financial economics.
Cheddar underscored Dr. Kriese’s key role as Senior Manager at the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Ghana, where she helped shape the nation’s financial landscape by overseeing investments, licensing capital market operators, and developing critical regulations. He stated, “Her expertise in training industry professionals and educating investors puts her at the forefront of financial empowerment in Ghana.”
Dr. Kriese’s academic background and professional experience extend beyond her current role at UPSA. She has previously served at the University of Ghana’s Department of Finance, where her knowledge of financial economics and business administration was invaluable. Her diverse background, which includes roles in education, finance, auditing, and management, equips her with a wide range of skills that will complement Cheddar’s leadership in shaping the country’s future economic policies and strategies.
After her introduction, Dr. Kriese expressed her support for Cheddar’s vision, particularly his policies focused on creating jobs and opportunities for all Ghanaians, not just a select few. She highlighted that the shared goal is to lead the country out of the challenges left by previous generations of leaders.
With her impressive track record, both in academia and the financial sector, Dr. Maryam Esaka Kriese brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the New Force’s campaign, offering a fresh perspective and solid expertise that will prove invaluable in their quest to win the 2024 election and guide Ghana to new heights.