President Mahama Must Walk The Talk In Women Empowerment

As Ghana joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to gender equality, calling for urgent measures to empower women and girls across all sectors.

In a Facebook post marking the occasion, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to accelerate action towards achieving gender parity, emphasising that women’s empowerment is central to national progress.

“This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for urgent measures to ensure that we achieve gender equality. Ghana has made some significant strides, particularly in electing its first female Vice President. Let’s build on this momentum,” the president stated.

President Mahama highlighted the need to prioritise women’s empowerment in areas such as education, business, politics and leadership, stressing that Ghana must continue creating opportunities for women to thrive.

“We must all prioritise empowering and uplifting women in every sphere, from education and business to politics and leadership. Let’s work together to create a Ghana where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential,” he added.

The theme for this year’s celebration, #AccelerateAction, is a reminder that gender parity cannot be achieved through rhetorics alone, it requires deliberate policies, decisive leadership and measurable actions.

While Ghana has made notable advancements, including the election of its first female Vice President, there is still much work to be done. Unfortunately, the government’s failure to uphold its own commitments undermines the very progress it claims to support.

The reality today paints a different picture, women constitute only 10% of cabinet ministers. This glaring shortfall is not just a broken political promise but a violation of the hope of Ghanaians to promote gender equality.

It also raises questions about the administration’s true commitment to advancing women’s leadership in governance.

Beyond the legal and political implications, the under representation of women in leadership positions has far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s development.

Countries that prioritise female participation in decision-making tend to perform better in areas such as education, healthcare and poverty reduction. When women have a seat at the table, policies are more likely to address issues that disproportionately affect them, such as maternal health, domestic violence and economic empowerment.

The continued dominance of men in decision-making roles, therefore, does not only limit opportunities for women but also weakens the overall quality of governance.

There is also a need to build a strong pipeline of female leaders. While enforcing gender quotas is important, sustainable change requires investing in women’s leadership development. This means creating mentorship programs, scholarships, and professional training opportunities that prepare women for leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

We must cultivate an environment where women are not only included in governance but are also equipped with the skills, resources, and networks needed to excel.

President Mahama’s administration has an opportunity to set a precedent for future governments by demonstrating genuine commitment to gender equality.

Upholding the 30% representation requirement is not merely about fulfilling a campaign promise but it is about ensuring that governance reflects the diversity of the population it serves. A government that fails to prioritise women’s leadership is not only failing women but also failing the nation as a whole.

Ghana has the legal framework, the political will and the public support needed to achieve gender equality. What is needed now is action. The time for excuses has passed. If this government truly believes in empowering women, it must prove it, not with words, but with policies, appointments and leadership that reflect its stated commitment.

Gender equality is not a privilege to be granted; it is a fundamental right that must be upheld. The future of Ghana depends on it.

The post President Mahama Must Walk The Talk In Women Empowerment appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story