Use leadership position to inspire youth - Vice-President to women caucus

The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged women in leadership to create opportunities, support and uplift others, especially young girls in their communities.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Women’s Caucus of Parliament at her office last Friday, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who is the first female Vice-President of the country, said the election of the female Members of Parliament must inspire young women to get involved in the development of the country in the capacity of leaders.

The Vice-President praised the growing number of women in Parliament, saying their success was a sign of progress and resilience.

“I remember making a special effort to visit eight constituencies where there was a woman candidate.

We are very proud of the numbers we have now — 40 women.

That’s no small feat,” she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the path many of the women had taken to reach political office and commended them for their resilience, courage and determination.

“It was not easy, it was difficult but you made it.

You all know what it takes, first to put yourself out there, then to sustain the momentum, and finally, to succeed,” she said.

She, however, reminded them that success should not end with personal achievement.

“Now that we are here, what are we doing with the opportunity?” It cannot just be about us. We must use this chance to help others, especially young women and girls in our constituencies,” the Vice-President stated.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also emphasised the importance of supporting the next generation, including boys, encouraging them to act as mothers and mentors to the nation.

Visit

Most of the 40 members of Parliament’s Women’s Caucus from both sides of the political divide attended the meeting with the Vice-President at the Jubilee House.

They included the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ada and Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah; MP for La Dade Kotopon and Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MP for Ketu South and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Dome Kwabenya, Elikplim Akurugu, MP for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo Toffey; MP for Agona West, Ernestina Ofori Dangbey; MP for Amenfi Central, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, and MP for Krowor, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.

Challenges

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the systemic barriers women continued to face in politics and leadership positions, emphasising the need to understand and address those issues.

“We know why we don’t see as many women as we should — women who are fully capable of leading and making valuable contributions to our communities are not given the opportunity. The reasons are not lost on us,” she added.

The Vice-President thanked the caucus for its prayers, support and commitment to the cause of gender equality and national development.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called for a greater inclusion of women who could not make it into parliament, and urged the caucus not to leave those women behind.

The President of the Women’s Caucus of Parliament and MP for Ada pledged the continued support of the members to the Vice-President and called for stronger collaboration to promote gender equality in the country.

She called on the Vice-President to support the President with her insight and motherly advice.

Ms Ghansah applauded the Vice-President for her historic rise to the second-highest office of the land, describing it as not just symbolic, but deeply transformational for the country’s governance and for women across the country.

Affirmative Action Law

Ms Appiagyei, who is the Vice-President of the Caucus, called for urgent attention to the implementation of the Affirmative Action law, stressing that the legislation must move from paper to action to truly benefit women across the country.

She said the Affirmative Action law was passed in July last year. However, it has not been operationalised.

Ms Appiagyei praised the Vice-President for breaking barriers and reaffirmed the caucus’s commitment to supporting her in delivering her mandate.