Speech by Akushika Acquaye
Ladies and gentlemen,
I bring you warm greetings from the Director-General, Prof. Amin Alhassan, as well as the management and staff of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, where 37% of staff are female. Our Internal Audit, Legal, Corporate Affairs, and Television divisions are headed by women, and yes, we do have a voice.
I begin this brief statement with inspiration from former US First Lady Michelle Obama, who said: “There is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can put on the mind of a woman. No amount of intimidation, no amount of restriction, no amount of censorship will stop a woman whose time has come.” And pioneers such as Esther Ocloo and Emma Tandoh remind us to “forget the odds and go for it.”
These powerful words resonate deeply with many of us, inspired by the incredible women in our lives. Their strength, resilience, and determination demonstrate the true meaning of leadership and empowerment, even in the smallest ways.
Ladies and gentlemen, my colleagues and I are proud to play a role in our democratic journey. In doing so, we acknowledge the pivotal role women play in shaping our nation’s narrative. The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, as a public service broadcaster, remains committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in our programming.
We salute women leaders and media professionals who are breaking barriers and pushing boundaries. Their tireless efforts are crucial in strengthening democratic accountability, improving public trust, and driving national development.
Being in the media means we are storytellers. It is our duty to share the inspiring stories of women and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences they bring. Our voices are essential in shaping narratives that reflect our diverse society.
As we highlight the leadership and governance journeys of women leaders, we celebrate their achievements, explore how they navigated challenges, and share the lessons learned. Through our platforms, we provide insights into governance and leadership while increasing their visibility.
Ladies and gentlemen, we in the media must do our utmost to counter stereotypes and biases that undermine women’s leadership and governance capabilities. We must create platforms to amplify women-led initiatives and ensure the world recognises their impact on society.
We must also encourage and support women journalists to cover governance and leadership topics, providing opportunities for growth and development.
By the nature of our work, we hear powerful stories, from the woman behind Maa Regi Bakery, to the resilience reflected in everyday market traders, to the woman who once carried bricks and mortar at the beginnings of Trassaco and later owned a home there through perseverance. These stories remind us that women leaders must prioritise inclusive governance that addresses the needs of women, children, and marginalised communities.
While advancing empowerment and partnering to drive development, we encourage women leaders to promote education, economic opportunities, and social inclusion. At the same time, they must be held accountable through transparency and integrity in governance.
Despite progress, disparities remain in women’s representation in leadership and senior media roles. We are not enemies; we must work together, like the broom, united in purpose on this journey.
To support this cause, we will continue to showcase stories of women leaders, highlight their achievements, and provide platforms for women to share their perspectives.
To our women leaders and media professionals: your voices matter. Your contributions are invaluable. Keep pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring others.
To our policymakers: prioritise gender equality. Implement policies that promote women’s participation in governance and media. Ensure equal opportunities and address systemic barriers.
To our media colleagues: let us work together to promote diversity and inclusivity. Let us amplify women’s voices and showcase their stories.
As we move forward, let us recognise that women’s empowerment is not a zero-sum game. When women thrive, Ghana thrives. Let us build a more inclusive society where everyone has a seat at the table.
Thank you.
