“Ghana’s first female vice president was elected, and women were appointed to leadership positions in the government, judiciary, security services, and important public institutions, marking historic milestones.”
Such gestures are not symbolic. They reaffirm that women should have a voice in the highest decision-making levels. President John Dramani Mahama stated, “I am sure that our women will shatter the glass ceiling and that the Republic of Ghana will have a female president very soon.”
In Beijing, China, on Monday [October 13, 2025], he was addressing the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
According to President Mahama, Ghana’s advancements in women’s representation are the consequence of intentional policy decisions rather than being merely symbolic.
According to him, Ghana has achieved gender parity in school enrollment and is attempting to fortify the systems that shield women and girls from prejudice and abuse. He spoke about the Ghana Police Service’s Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit’s expanding activities as well as changes at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
According to him, his government has implemented social interventions to help women, such as aid for households headed by women, obtaining local food through the School Feeding Program, and a policy that sets aside 50% of microloans for female business owners.
According to Mr. Mahama, the new Affirmative Action Act established specific goals for women’s involvement in governance, including 30% of public appointments by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030.
He acknowledged domestic advancements but warned that rising international volatility and strong states’ unilateral acts could undo the progress gained by women in underdeveloped nations.
In order to protect against those global threats, he urged African leaders to prioritize the growth and well-being of women.
“Gender equality is not only a matter of justice,” he said. “It is a driver of sustainable development. When women thrive, families prosper, communities are stronger, and nations progress.”
President Mahama’s remarks were part of events marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark United Nations initiative on gender equality.