By: Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has called for stronger collaboration between women in governance and women in the media to enhance leadership, visibility and public trust in national development.
Delivering the welcome address at the First Annual National Forum on Women in Governance and Media in Accra, Madam Bampoe Addo described the gathering as a strategic platform for dialogue, partnership and reflection on the critical roles women play in shaping governance and influencing national discourse.
Held under the theme Leadership • Visibility • Public Trust, the forum brought together women in government, female journalists, editors, broadcasters and communication professionals to foster sustained engagement beyond political cycles.
Madam Bampoe Addo emphasised that governance and the media are interconnected, noting that public understanding of policies and leadership is largely shaped by media narratives. She stressed that women in both sectors carry significant responsibility in building accountability, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national progress.
Using reflective illustrations, she highlighted the challenges women face in leadership and journalism — from heightened scrutiny and pressure to the burden of upholding integrity and public confidence. Despite these challenges, she noted, women continue to demonstrate resilience and commitment to service, contributing meaningfully to schools, hospitals, livelihoods and public policy debates across the country.
The Deputy Chief of Staff linked the forum’s objectives to the broader Reset Agenda under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, describing him as a long-standing advocate for gender inclusion in governance. She referenced his autobiography, My First Coup d’État, to illustrate how his early life experiences shaped his respect for women’s leadership and mentorship.
She noted that women currently make up approximately 23.21 percent of political appointments, reflecting progress toward the 30 percent benchmark outlined in the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. According to her, this steady increase demonstrates a deliberate commitment to inclusive leadership that mirrors the diversity of Ghana’s population.
Madam Bampoe Addo also paid tribute to Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, describing her as a trailblazer whose leadership continues to inspire women across the country. She acknowledged the Vice President’s mentorship and consistent advocacy for the advancement of women within government structures.
Outlining the objectives of the forum, she said it seeks to bridge the gap between women leaders and women communicators by creating a safe space for honest conversations about visibility, leadership pressures, media framing and ethical standards in public life. The platform, she added, is designed to promote collaboration that strengthens democratic accountability and reinforces public trust.
She described the media as a critical pillar of development, stressing that responsible reporting and ethical storytelling are essential in shaping informed public opinion and constructive policy dialogue. She urged closer cooperation between the Executive and the media to build a culture grounded in mutual respect, professionalism and transparency.
In her concluding remarks, Madam Bampoe Addo encouraged women in leadership to remain resilient, principled and fact-driven in the face of criticism and setbacks. Drawing inspiration from former United States First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and her book You Learn by Living, she underscored the importance of courage and confidence in public service.
She described the forum as a historic beginning rather than an endpoint, expressing optimism that sustained dialogue, mentorship and partnership among women in governance and media will strengthen Ghana’s institutions and democratic culture.
