IWD: Meet Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye-Boakye- Ghana’s 1st female Naval Officer

The 1990s marked an era when women who dared to enter male-dominated professions faced towering societal and institutional hurdles.

Thus, male dominated professions were a path few women chose to tread.

As today marks the International Day for women, we shine a light on Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye-Boakye a pioneer who shattered barriers in 1996 by becoming the first woman enlisted in the Ghana Naval Command (now the Ghana Navy).

Rising through the ranks with unwavering resolve, she now serves as Deputy Chief of Staff Officer for Policy and Plans.

Established on July 29, 1959, as part of the newly independent Ghana Armed Forces just two years after the nation broke free from British colonial rule in 1957, the Ghana Naval Command, now the Ghana Navy, was founded to safeguard the country’s maritime territories, uphold national security, and protect its coastal interests.

For decades, the institution remained exclusively male-dominated until one pioneering woman shattered her glass ceiling.

Meet Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye-Boakye, who made history in 1996 as the Ghana Navy’s first female officer. She achieved this milestone at a young age after graduating from her tertiary education.

Her trailblazing journey not only redefined gender norms within the force but also paved the way for future generations of women in Ghana’s military.

“As a young graduate, I was eager to venture into uncharted territory, paving the way for more women to follow. Interestingly, I was unaware that the Navy had no female personnel at the time. It wasn’t until my interview that I discovered this fact.”

“The interviewer asked if I knew I’d be the first woman in the Navy, and I replied, ‘No.’ They then asked if I was ready for the challenge, and I confidently said, ‘Yes.’ When asked again if I was certain I’d make it through the interview process, I reaffirmed my confidence. Ultimately, I emerged successful, becoming the only person selected at that time.”

Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye-Boakye has drawn attention to persistent challenges within Ghana’s security sector, particularly in the Navy.

She underscored a critical issue, the lack of public awareness regarding the sacrifices and dedication of service members, noting that many citizens fail to grasp the full scope of the Navy’s contributions to national stability and maritime safety.

“As security services, particularly the Navy, our operations often go unseen by the public. As a result, our contributions to national development may be overlooked. However, it’s essential to recognize that approximately 90% of Ghana’s imports and exports are transported by sea.”

“The Navy plays a vital role in securing our sea lines of communication, ensuring the safe passage of cargo through our ports. Although our work may be invisible to the public eye, our value to the nation cannot be overstated.”

After navigating a rigorous progression within the ranks, she ascended to the highest ranks of the service.

As the inaugural female Commanding Officer of the Ghana Navy Supply Base in Takoradi, she underscored that substantial efforts would be imperative to realize the Supply Base’s full potential and elevate it to its envisioned stature.

“This is the Navy’s supply base, where our ship equipment and logistics are stored. Ensuring the security and proper storage of these assets is paramount, particularly given our proximity to the sea.”

“While significant progress has been made, there is still more work to be done to bring this base up to the desired standard. Our goal is to continually improve and expand our capabilities, ultimately elevating this base to its optimal state.”

She, however, urged young women to embrace every challenge that cross their minds.

“I’d like to encourage young women, in particular, to take on any challenge that comes their way. With determination and the right mindset, nothing is impossible.”

“I firmly believe that what matters most is not gender, but rather whether an individual has the skills, talent, and dedication required for a task.”

“Once you possess these qualities, the sky’s the limit. It’s time to shift our mindset and recognize that opportunities are not reserved for men or women exclusively they’re available to anyone with the ability and drive to seize them.” She said.

The post IWD: Meet Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye-Boakye- Ghana’s 1st female Naval Officer first appeared on 3News.

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