By Abraham Donkor
The Deputy Minister for Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has emphasised the need for targeted capacity building for female Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to strengthen inclusive governance across the country.
She made the call at a special Orientation and Leadership Development Programme organised for female MMDCEs as part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to promote gender-responsive leadership within Ghana’s decentralised governance system.
The maiden programme, held in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, is aimed at equipping women leaders with the skills, confidence and institutional support needed to effectively deliver on their mandates.
Speaking at the programme, Madam Sowah noted that although women continue to contribute significantly to community development, their representation in formal governance structures remains relatively low.
She said addressing the imbalance requires deliberate policies and strategic interventions that not only encourage more women to participate in governance but also enhance the capacity of those already occupying leadership positions.
“This programme is more than a training; it is about empowering women to lead with confidence, competence and purpose,” she stated.
The Deputy Minister indicated that the initiative is guided by the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Unlocking Leadership Excellence in Local Governance,” which reflects the Ministry’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges and enabling women leaders to make meaningful contributions to local development.
She explained that the training programme covers key areas including public financial management, procurement processes, digital governance, ethics and integrity, as well as citizen engagement — all critical components of effective local administration.
Madam Sowah also stressed the importance of mentorship and peer support among female leaders, noting that strong professional networks can play a vital role in sustaining leadership success.
She further encouraged more women, particularly young women, to show interest in local governance and actively participate in the upcoming 2027 District Level Elections.
“We must intentionally create pathways for more women to enter leadership, not just through appointments, but through active participation in the electoral process,” she added.
Madam Sowah reiterated that achieving gender equality in governance requires the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations and communities to support women in leadership.
The programme brought together female MMDCEs from across the country to engage with experts and resource persons, facilitating knowledge sharing and practical learning aimed at improving governance and development outcomes at the local level.
The Deputy Minister expressed optimism that the initiative will help nurture transformative leadership among female MMDCEs and contribute to more inclusive, accountable and development-oriented local governance.
