By Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is urging women in the public sector to act with boldness, reject stereotypes, and position themselves as indispensable drivers of Ghana’s national transformation as the country pushes forward with its Reset Agenda.
She made the call while opening the Second Annual Conference for Women in Leadership in the Public Sector in Accra, where she reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing gender equity in governance.
Speaking at the event held in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang described the gathering as “both a call to action and a sign of shared commitment to shaping the Ghana that is fair, forward-looking and attentive to the needs of all citizens.”
Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Impact: Advancing Women’s Leadership in the Resetting Ghana Agenda,” the conference brought together public service leaders, policymakers and senior government officials to examine progress and challenges in advancing women’s leadership.
“The public sector is where policies are shaped, institutions are strengthened and national development takes root,” she stated. “Despite undeniable progress, women continue to face structural, cultural and institutional barriers that hinder our advancement into leadership roles.”
She cited limited access to senior-level opportunities, unequal career progression and increased domestic responsibilities as persistent challenges, stressing that overcoming them requires “deliberate policies, structural reforms and supportive institutional practices.”
According to her, promoting women’s leadership is central to good governance. “Women strengthen governance, enhance service delivery and foster social cohesion. They bring collaborative decision-making, ethical stewardship, long-term strategic vision and innovative solutions to complex challenges,” she said.
30% Target This Year, 50% by 2030
The Vice President disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed public service agencies to ensure a minimum of 30 percent female representation in leadership positions by this year, increasing to 50 percent by 2030.
“This directive is a deliberate policy measure to advance the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act and institutionalise gender equity as a cornerstone of our development agenda,” she noted.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the Reset Agenda places gender equity and justice at the heart of national development, with emphasis on women’s political inclusion, economic empowerment, social protection and protection from violence.
She highlighted economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring confidence, investments in education — including the free distribution of sanitary pads to keep girls in school — expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme, and support through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund for the treatment of non-communicable diseases.
“These are concrete steps towards a Ghana where women have fairer access to opportunities and where systemic barriers to their advancement are removed,” she said.
“Act With Boldness”
In a direct message to senior public servants, the Vice President urged women not to yield to stereotypes or intimidation.
“Act with boldness. Act with clarity. Act with purpose. Build networks, seek mentorships, share your knowledge and position yourself as an indispensable contributor to national development,” she charged.
“It is not about your hairline. It is not about your eyebrows. It is not about the skin you don’t like. It is about impact. It’s about staying true to your values and bringing other people along with you.”
She further called on public sector institutions to promote gender-responsive, transparent and merit-based recruitment and promotions, as well as flexible, family-friendly work policies to support women balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
“It is now my distinct pleasure to officially open this conference,” she declared.
Organisers say the conference is expected to produce practical recommendations to accelerate women’s leadership and deepen inclusive governance in Ghana.
