Rotary District 9104 makes history with all-female leadership team at landmark investiture
Rotary International District 9104 has shattered glass ceilings with its first-ever joint investiture ceremony, inaugurating an all-female leadership duo of District Governor Nana Yaa Pokua Siriboe and District Rotaract Representative Olive Naa Asheley Addo at The Avenue Event Centre in Tse Addo, Accra.
New era of leadership
DG Nana Yaa, addressing a packed hall of Rotarians and dignitaries, reflected on her 24-year Rotary journey: "When I joined in 2001, I was just excited to be part of something new. Today, I stand here because Rotary changes lives - starting with mine." The third consecutive female governor for the district emphasized their shared mission, stating: "When we Unite for Good to carry out impactful projects, we're rewriting Ghana's narrative."
Beside her, DRR Olive, representing the district's 59 Rotaract clubs, outlined her bold vision: "We're not starting over - we're building on a strong legacy. If we truly unite for good, there are no limits to what we can achieve." The HR professional and youth development specialist added: "This moment belongs to every Rotaractor who serves with heart and every Rotarian who mentors with care."
Call to collective action
Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro delivered a rousing keynote, urging: "Support the new leadership without comparison. One person alone cannot unite; unity requires all of us." She highlighted the district's growth, noting: "Our membership and contributions have increased steadily over three years. This progress must continue through grants, partnerships and TRF engagement."
Frank Afari Ankamah, Chair of the Host Organising Committee, brought levity to proceedings: "Someone asked how I'm preparing as HOC Chair? By learning to smile while being chased by emails at 2am!" Turning serious, he affirmed: "Excellence is achieved not by one, but by many. This is Rotary - where service meets passion, and hard work becomes joy."
Bridging generations
The ceremony highlighted Rotary's intergenerational strength. DG Nana Yaa shared poignant field experiences: "When we commissioned a borehole in Tamale, the community's joy told me a different story - one where Rotary's impact walks beyond boardrooms."
DRR Olive countered with digital-era strategies: "We're cultivating ethical leaders who'll foster collaboration and innovation for meaningful change." Her approach resonates with younger members, as seen in her chartering of new e-clubs.
Looking ahead
With the district now comprising 70 Rotary clubs and plans for Kwahu's 2026 DISCON at Rock City Hotel, the leaders struck an optimistic tone. "We'll take Rotary's magic wherever we go," DG Nana Yaa pledged, while DRR Olive vowed to "leave no club behind."
As Past District Governor Maame Florence Hagan reminded the new team: "You're not alone. You're surrounded by the Rotary family worldwide." The historic investiture concluded with DG Nana Yaa's call to action: "Let's continue creating hope in this broken world - together."
