Undoubtedly, an historical era for Ghana for inaugurating their first female vice president in grand style to start off the new year 2025. Indeed, a transformative moment for the West African Country to have Her Excellency, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman elected as the first female Vice President, creating a new chapter in the Ghana’s political history.
Although such milestone would carry significant implications for gender parity, political representation, and the broader social dynamics in Ghana. As being Ghana’s first female vice president is both a groundbreaking achievement and a challenging journey.
However, this incredible achievement in this day and age beckons the question why are women still aspiring or being pushed to vice or deputy leadership roles alongside men as seen typically around world? I remember a profound face-to-face conversation I had with Her Excellency Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand in London where she was the only female vying for the position of The United Nations Secretary General in 2016. She made an indelible statement on my mind, “enough of women aspiring to be No2 when they can be No1”. A decade on we are still seeing these antecedents of women as No2 or not given a chance at all in heading supranational organisations or leading civilised nations of our world.
The phenomenon of women being disproportionately placed in vice or deputy roles, as opposed to top leadership positions, can be attributed to several systemic, cultural, and structural factors. Here’s an analysis of why this occurs:
- Perceptions of Leadership: Societal norms often associate leadership with traditionally “masculine” traits such as assertiveness and decisiveness, while women are stereotyped as being nurturing and collaborative. These biases can lead organisations to view women as better suited for supporting roles rather than top positions.
- “Think-Manager-Think-Male” Bias: Research has shown that people unconsciously associate leadership roles with men, which can make it harder for women to be seen as the “natural” choice for top leadership.
- Many women encounter a glass ceiling, an invisible barrier that limits their advancement to the highest levels of leadership despite having the qualifications and skills.
- While organisations may promote women to senior roles like vice president or deputy, they often stop short of elevating them to the very top, effectively keeping them in second-tier leadership positions.
- Women in leadership face a double bind: if they exhibit traditionally “feminine” behaviours, they may be perceived as weak; if they display “masculine” traits, they may be criticised as too aggressive or unlikable. This dynamic can discourage organisations from putting women in top roles.
- Women are often underrepresented in the “pipeline” of talent groomed for top leadership due to systemic barriers such as lack of mentorship, sponsorship, and opportunities for high-profile assignments.
- When they are promoted, it is sometimes to roles without clear pathways to the top (e.g., support or advisory positions rather than operational roles).
- Organisations may appoint women to vice or deputy roles as a way to signal diversity without truly sharing power. These roles can sometimes be symbolic, with limited decision-making authority.
- Many organisations have workplace cultures that are not inclusive or welcoming to women in leadership, making it harder for women to climb to the highest levels.
- Women are often excluded from informal networks or “old boys’ clubs” that play a critical role in career advancement.
- Women are more likely than men to take on caregiving responsibilities, which can lead to perceptions that they are less available or less committed to their careers. This bias can limit their opportunities for top leadership roles.
- In male-dominated fields, some women who do reach top leadership may unconsciously perpetuate the status quo by resisting efforts to mentor or promote other women, fearing it could undermine their own position.
- Actively address unconscious bias in hiring and promotions.
- Create mentorship and sponsorship programs for women.
- Ensure equal access to leadership development opportunities.
- Foster inclusive workplace cultures.
- Set measurable goals for gender parity at all leadership levels.
As Africa’s first female vice president, one is a symbol of progress and gender equality. This role inspires women and girls across the continent to believe in their potential to lead in spaces historically dominated by men. It also carries a sense of responsibility to break stereotypes, challenge norms, and pave the way for more women in politics.
Women in high-level political positions often face unique challenges, including systemic sexism, underestimation of their abilities, and scrutiny over their decisions and personal lives. They may need to work harder than their male counterparts to prove their competence and legitimacy.
As vice president, one must balance their broader role as a gender rights advocate with their constitutional and administrative duties. This includes navigating complex political systems, working with male-dominated cabinets, and addressing the needs of diverse populations.
What It Would Be Like for Ghana’s First Female Vice President
Being the first female vice president in Ghana would signify a major step forward in gender inclusivity in leadership. It would inspire Ghanaian women and girls to see leadership as achievable, challenging deep-seated societal norms that often exclude women from top political roles.
The first female vice president would likely face intense public scrutiny over her decisions, leadership style, and even personal life. Many people would expect her to excel in ways that prove women’s capability to lead, placing added pressure on her performance.
The role would offer her a platform to champion initiatives that address issues disproportionately affecting women, such as access to education, maternal healthcare, and economic empowerment. She could also push for reforms to increase women’s participation in politics and leadership.
Despite her achievements, she would likely face resistance from groups or individuals who question women’s ability to lead. Overcoming these biases would require resilience, strategic alliances, and a focus on delivering impactful results.
Ghana’s first female vice president would attract significant attention globally, positioning her as a role model and advocate for African women in leadership. Her tenure could enhance Ghana’s image as a progressive nation committed to diversity and inclusion.
Ghanaian society is deeply rooted in tradition, which could present challenges for a female leader. She would need to strike a balance between respecting cultural norms and driving progressive policies that challenge patriarchal systems.
Challenges Women Face in Ghanaian Politics
Women make up about 51% of Ghana’s population, yet their representation in Parliament has historically been low. In the 2020 elections, only 40 women out of 275 members were elected to Parliament (14.5%). This underrepresentation extends to executive roles, where women are rarely nominated for top positions.
Ghanaian society is still heavily influenced by traditional gender roles, which often exclude women from decision-making spaces. Leadership is often seen as a male domain, making it harder for women to gain acceptance in politics.
Politics in Ghana is expensive, with high campaign costs that often disadvantage women. Many female politicians lack the financial backing or networks that their male counterparts enjoy.
Women in politics face gendered criticism, including personal attacks and questions about their competence. Their leadership abilities are often unfairly judged based on stereotypes rather than merit.
Women are more likely to face intimidation, harassment, and even violence in political contests, further discouraging their participation.
Prominent Female Leaders in Ghana’s Politics
Several Ghanaian women have broken barriers in politics and public service, laying the groundwork for future leadership.
- Role: Running mate to John Dramani Mahama
- Significance: She was the first woman nominated as vice-presidential candidate by a major political party in Ghana. A respected academic and former Minister for Education, she brought intellectual rigor and a focus on education and women’s empowerment to the campaign.
- Impact: Though she and Mahama lost the election in 2020 but elected in 2024. Her candidacy inspired many women and demonstrated that Ghana is ready for female leaders at the highest levels.
- Role: Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; former Member of Parliament.
- Significance: Known for her diplomatic skills, Tetteh has represented Ghana on the international stage and currently serves as the UN Special Representative to the African Union. Her leadership in foreign affairs has positioned her as a potential leader for Ghana.
- Role: Former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.
- Significance: As the first woman to head Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Osei oversaw key elections and promoted transparency. Despite facing political challenges and criticism, she remains a symbol of strength and fairness in governance.
- Role: Former Second Lady of Ghana.
- Significance: Samira is widely admired for her advocacy on women’s empowerment, education, and literacy. Her visibility and public engagement have made her a potential future leader, depending on her political ambitions.
- Role: Ghana’s first female Chief of Staff.
- Significance: As Chief of Staff under former President Akufo-Addo, Osei-Opare has demonstrated strong leadership in managing government affairs. Her position makes her one of the most powerful women in Ghana’s current administration.
- Field: Education and Politics
- Achievements:
- The first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university in Ghana (University of Cape Coast).
- Former Minister for Education (2013–2017), where she led initiatives like the removal of teacher trainee allowances to fund broader educational reforms.
- Became the first woman to be a vice-presidential candidate for a major political party (NDC) in 2020.
- Impact: Known for her calm yet transformative leadership, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has been a strong advocate for quality education, gender equality, and social justice.
- Field: Law and Governance
- Achievements:
- The first female Speaker of Parliament in Ghana (2009–2013).
- One of the first women to be called to the Ghanaian Bar.
- Contributed to drafting Ghana’s 1992 Constitution as a Supreme Court judge.
- Impact: Her tenure as Speaker was marked by impartiality, fairness, and efforts to increase women’s participation in politics.
- Field: Electoral Management
- Achievements:
- The first female Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission (2015–2018).
- Oversaw the 2016 general elections, which were praised for their transparency and credibility.
- Previously served as Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
- Impact: Charlotte Osei is celebrated for her integrity and resilience in the face of political pressure, earning her admiration both locally and internationally.
- Field: Public Advocacy and Social Development
- Achievements:
- Current Second Lady of Ghana (since 2017).
- Founder of the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP), focusing on improving literacy, maternal health, and poverty alleviation.
- Advocates for girls’ education and women’s empowerment through public speaking and policy initiatives.
- Impact: Samira’s charisma and dedication to social causes have made her a prominent figure in Ghanaian public life.
- Field: Governance
- Achievements:
- Ghana’s first female Chief of Staff, appointed in 2017.
- Previously served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for Manpower, Youth, and Employment.
- Played a pivotal role in managing the government’s administrative affairs and policy implementation.
- Impact: Her leadership as Chief of Staff has been instrumental in promoting efficiency and coordination within the presidency.
- Field: Medicine and Public Health
- Achievements:
- A renowned pediatrician and public health advocate.
- Key contributor to improving maternal and child healthcare in Ghana through training programs and policy advocacy.
- Played a significant role in global health initiatives, representing Ghana internationally.
- Impact: Her work has improved healthcare delivery systems, especially in underserved communities.
- Field: Business and Civil Society•Achievements:
- Former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the first woman to hold the position.
- Founder of Salt and Light Ministries, a nonprofit organization focusing on leadership and social development.
- A prominent advocate for ethical leadership and corporate responsibility.
- Impact: Dr. Aryee is widely regarded as a role model for integrity and servant leadership in Ghana.
- •Field: Communications and Business
- •Achievements:
- •CEO of Stratcomm Africa, a leading communications and public relations firm.
- •Recognized as one of Africa’s top women entrepreneurs for her innovative contributions to the PR industry.
- •A passionate advocate for corporate storytelling and strategic communication.
- •Impact: Esther Cobbah has helped shape public discourse in Ghana, empowering businesses and individuals to communicate effectively.
- Field: Renewable Energy
- Achievements:
- Co-founder and Managing Partner of Accra-based energy firm Bui Power Authority.
- Advocates for clean energy and sustainable development in Ghana.
- Part of several initiatives promoting women’s participation in the energy sector.
- Impact: Her work has been pivotal in advancing Ghana’s renewable energy goals.
- Field: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Achievements:
- Biomedical engineer and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana.
- Host of the popular National Science and Maths Quiz, inspiring young students in science and technology.
- Received numerous awards for her contributions to STEM education in Ghana.
- Impact: Dr. Kaufmann’s visibility and advocacy have inspired a new generation of Ghanaian youth to pursue careers in STEM fields.
- Field: Media and Governance
- Achievements:
- The first female President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
- Former Member of the Council of State, advising the president on governance matters.
- A champion for press freedom and women’s participation in journalism.
- Impact: Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie’s leadership in media and governance has strengthened democracy and accountability in Ghana.
Pathways to Leadership for Ghanaian Women
Enacting laws that reserve a percentage of parliamentary or executive positions for women would help bridge the gender gap. Ghana’s Affirmative Action Bill, which has been in discussion for years, could institutionalize this change.
Encouraging women to participate in local governance and community leadership can help build a pipeline of female leaders.
Initiatives like the Women in Leadership Programme by civil society organizations can mentor young women and provide the resources they need to enter politics.
Political parties and donors can provide targeted funding for female candidates to level the playing field.
Changing societal perceptions about women in leadership requires consistent education and advocacy to challenge stereotypes and promote equality.
The Future of Female Leadership in Ghana
A female vice president would likely push for policies that directly empower women and challenge the entrenched gender disparities in Ghana.
- Affirmative Action Bill: Advocate for its passage to increase women’s representation in Parliament, local governance, and executive roles.
- Women in STEM: Expand programs to encourage young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Establish grants, training, and mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas.
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Strengthen laws and support systems to protect women from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of GBV.
Recognizing education as a key tool for empowerment, she could focus on reducing barriers to education, particularly for girls.
- Free Senior High School (FSHS): Expand the program to include resources like menstrual hygiene products to reduce dropout rates among girls.
- Technical and Vocational Education (TVET): Promote vocational training tailored to market demands, with a focus on empowering women and youth.
- Adult Literacy Programs: Launch initiatives to improve literacy rates among women in underserved communities.
Ghana faces significant healthcare challenges, from maternal mortality to inadequate rural health infrastructure. A female vice president might prioritize improving healthcare systems, particularly for women and children.
- Maternal and Child Health: Expand access to prenatal and postnatal care, including mobile clinics for rural areas.
- Universal Health Coverage: Advocate for increased funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure affordable healthcare for all.
- Mental Health Services: Address stigma and expand access to mental health care, especially for women facing postpartum depression or trauma from GBV.
With Ghana’s economy facing challenges like youth unemployment, a female vice president could spearhead initiatives for inclusive growth and job creation.
- Women in Agriculture: Support female farmers with access to credit, land ownership rights, and modern farming tools.
- Green Economy Jobs: Promote renewable energy projects and train women in green technologies.
- Public Works Programs: Create employment opportunities through infrastructure development projects, with quotas for hiring women.
Reducing poverty, particularly among women and children, would likely be a central focus.
- Cash Transfers for Vulnerable Groups: Expand programs like LEAP (Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty) to target more women-headed households.
- Affordable Childcare Services: Establish community-based childcare centers to enable more women to join the workforce.
- Housing and Sanitation: Improve access to affordable housing and basic sanitation services in low-income areas.
A female vice president could advocate for transparency and accountability in governance, setting a high ethical standard.
- Public Sector Reforms: Promote merit-based recruitment and gender balance in public appointments.
- Digital Governance: Use technology to improve transparency in government spending and reduce corruption.
- Civic Engagement: Strengthen systems for citizen feedback and participation in policymaking.
Ghana is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including floods, droughts, and deforestation. A female leader could champion environmental protection.
- Climate Resilience Programs: Introduce projects to support communities affected by climate change, particularly women farmers.
- Reforestation Campaigns: Expand tree-planting initiatives and involve women in conservation efforts.
- Clean Energy Access: Promote solar power and other renewable energy sources in off-grid areas.
A forward-thinking female vice president could use technology to drive development and inclusivity.
- Digital Inclusion: Provide internet access and digital literacy training for women and youth in rural areas.
- E-Government Services: Streamline access to public services through digital platforms, reducing bureaucracy.
- Tech Startups: Support young women in launching tech startups through innovation hubs and funding opportunities.
Potential Impact of These Policies
- Reduce gender disparities in education, employment, and governance.
- Empower vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, through targeted social programs.
- Boost economic growth by leveraging the untapped potential of women in key sectors like agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship.
- Enhance Ghana’s global reputation as a leader in gender equality and inclusive development.
Women’s Role in Non-Political Sectors
- Esther Cobbah (CEO of Stratcomm Africa): A leader in communications and public relations.
- Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann: Renowned biomedical engineer and advocate for STEM education.
- Dr. Joyce Aryee: Former CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines and a prominent voice in public policy.
- Role: Africa’s first elected female president (2006–2018).
- Impact: Sirleaf is often referred to as the “Iron Lady” for her resilience in rebuilding Liberia after years of civil war. She focused on economic reform, women’s empowerment, and education, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her efforts to promote peace and gender equality.
- Challenges: Despite her accolades, she faced criticism for nepotism and slow economic progress, highlighting the complexities of leadership.
- Role: President of Malawi (2012–2014); Africa’s second female president.
- Impact: Banda became president during a political crisis after the sudden death of her predecessor. She introduced economic reforms, prioritized women’s rights, and promoted health initiatives, including maternal healthcare.
- Challenges: Her presidency was overshadowed by the “Cashgate” corruption scandal, though she denied involvement. She later became an advocate for women in leadership globally.
- Role: Current President of Tanzania (2021–present); first female president of the country.
- Impact: After the death of President John Magufuli, Hassan stepped into leadership, making history. Her leadership has focused on economic stability and improving Tanzania’s international relations.
- Significance: She balances traditional expectations with the need for progressive policies, serving as a role model for women in East Africa.
- Role: Vice President of The Gambia (2017–2019).
- Impact: Jallow-Tambajang played a pivotal role in uniting the opposition coalition that ousted former dictator Yahya Jammeh. As VP, she worked on transitional justice and women’s empowerment.
- Challenges: Operating in a post-dictatorship era, she faced pressure to implement reforms quickly in a politically fragile environment.
- Role: While not a VP or President, she served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and is now the first African and first woman Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Impact: Known for her anti-corruption efforts and economic expertise, Okonjo-Iweala has been a champion for development and global trade policies that benefit Africa.
- Role: Ethiopia’s first female president (2018–present).
- Impact: Though the role of president in Ethiopia is largely ceremonial, Zewde has used her position to advocate for gender equality, peace, and development. She represents a symbolic shift toward inclusivity in Ethiopian politics.
- Role: Former Deputy President of South Africa (2005–2008).
- Impact: The first woman to hold the deputy presidency in South Africa, Mlambo-Ngcuka later became the Executive Director of UN Women, where she was a global advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
