Two New Patriotic Party (NPP) female Members of Parliament (MP) who were invited to be integral part of the maiden ‘National Forum for Women in Government and Media’ to balance the discussion, declined to participate.
The Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei and Abena Osei Asare, were invited not only as participants but were expected to be part of the panelists.
Their counterparts at the Majority side lead by Comfort Doyoe Ghansah, Deputy Majority Chief Whip, however showed up in their numbers.
No tangible explanation was given when Shamima Muslim, host of the event held at the Jubilee House, and deputy spokesperson to the President, announced that the two had chickened out regardless of the fact that they were expressly invited.
Despite their absence, the programme was held successfully at the Presidential Banquet Hall under the theme “Leadership, Visibility, Public Trust”, with all women who matter in the media, public and political landscape participating.
The high-level gathering brought together distinguished women leaders, policymakers and media professionals from across the country to promote strategic collaboration, strengthen representation and enhance public confidence in governance and leadership.
The government communication said the forum underscores a strong commitment to inclusive leadership, institutional credibility and the advancement of women in public service and the media.
Under the auspices of the Vice President and the Minister for Government Communications, the initiative first in a series, serves as a platform for dialogue, networking, mentorship and policy engagement to improve women’s visibility and impact in national development.
Speaker after speaker highlighted the importance for women to be each other’s keeper, work together instead of competing so they can reach the top together.
The main speakers were female ministers including Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
There were also female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) like the boss of the Ghana Gas Company Limited, who spoke about the gains she made so far since her appointment as the first female CEO of the company.
There were as heads of the Ghana National Fire Service Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, and The Ghana Prison Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, who are both occupying their respective positions for the first time as women.
They served as panel members for a discussion segment.
There were another panel member discussion involving veteran broadcaster Gifty Anti, former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Suhum Margaret Ansei, Presidential Staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah as well as deputy minister for Health, Grace Ayensu-Dankwah, who doubles as the MP for the Esikadu Ketan constituency.
The women shared their personal and work experiences, inviting particularly the media to see them as people who are capable and competent of what they have been positioned to do.
They also encouraged female media practitioners to work with their counterparts in government as partners saying while criticizing and securitizing their shortcomings, they should do well to stay fair and balanced.
In her address, Vice President, Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang touched on the need to come together and think about those who look up to them as leaders.
She said in as much as she would have wished that the programme is held very often, time constraint does not permit that. She observed that, sometimes, “all one needs is a listening ear”, stressing the importance of the meeting saying “events like this help us to close ranks, put face to the names.”
In the view of the vice president, every woman is a leader in their own right, “and that sometimes leadership begins simply by being a listening ear or a source of encouragement”.
Sticking to the theme, Prof Opoku-Agyemang maintained that, visibility in the media has the ability to shape power and influences narratives while leadership carries responsibility.
She stressed that the two categories of women, have the power hold significant influence in helping public discourse, standards, and accountability. “The media, in many ways, is a classroom for society, capable of elevating credible voices and setting meaningful standards”.
The vice president urged women to have faith in their abilities to challenge themselves and aim even better. According to her, institutions that accommodate women in decision-making spaces are stronger and more impactful.
“And the women stepping into public office and journalism must recognize their roles in strengthening democratic governance”, she added.
A deputy chief of staff, Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, in her welcome address underscored the importance of the meeting saying it is not just a gathering of powerful and influential women but a purposeful one for important conversations.
Touching on President Mahama’s commitment to promote women development, the former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, said what the president has done over the years that he has served in the highest office, is there for all to see.
Using herself as an example, she recalled when she was informed the first time the decision to appoint her as a minister, at a time she was busy serving as a private legal practitioner, majoring in human rights issues.
She said even though the 30 percent women appointments the president promised during the 2024 campaign has not yet been achieved, some strides have been made.
By Gifty Boateng