By Philip Antoh
President John Dramani Mahama’s confidence that Ghana is on a good path to elect it first female President has generated fresh debate in the country and within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) party as some personalities within have already shown interest in their bid to succeed him.
At the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing, China, President Mahama said base on the fact that Ghana has gotten it first female vice President, it will not be out of place to say the nation has laid the foundation to elect its first female President, citing the country’s steady progress in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Addressing the audience at Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing, China, on Monday, October 13, President Mahama said Ghana has taken decisive steps to integrate gender perspectives into all national development policies.
“As the African Union Champion for Gender and Women’s Empowerment, I am proud to say that Ghana remains steadfast in its pursuit of equality for all,” he stated.
He highlighted Ghana’s historic achievements in advancing women’s participation in leadership, including the election of the country’s first female Vice President and the appointment of women to key positions across government, the judiciary, the security services, and major national institutions.
“These are not symbolic gestures; they are a deliberate affirmation that women deserve a seat at the highest levels of decision-making,” Mahama emphasised. “And I am confident that, in the very near future, our women will break the glass ceiling and that a woman will be president of the Republic of Ghana.”
President Mahama also pointed to significant progress in education, noting that Ghana has achieved gender parity in school enrollment, with more girls accessing and completing school than ever before.
“Our commitment is further demonstrated by robust institutional reforms and legal frameworks designed to protect the rights of women and girls,” he said.
He cited improvements in key institutions such as the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, the Domestic Violence Secretariat, and the Specialised Domestic Violence Courts.
According to him, sustained budgetary allocations have strengthened these institutions’ ability to deliver justice, protection, and social support to survivors of gender-based violence.
President Mahama’s remarks formed part of his broader call for governments and international partners to take transformative action toward achieving genuine gender equality and empowering women worldwide.
The above statement continues to generate debate in the party circles as to whether the current vice President, Professor Jane Nana Opoku-Agyemang should be given the opportunity to succeed President Mahama. But only time will tell.