The Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Hon. Jocelyn Tetteh, has underscored the transformative potential of the Affirmative Action Bill in empowering women parliamentarians and preparing them to serve in President John Mahama's government.
In an exclusive interview with Happy 98.9 FM on January 20, 2025, Hon. Tetteh highlighted how the unique challenges women face in securing political office equip them to take on leadership roles when opportunities arise. Reflecting on her own journey, she shared that she entered Parliament at the age of 28. “I don’t think there’s any task ahead of me that I wouldn’t be able to meet,” she stated, expressing her readiness to serve in any capacity the President deems fit.
Hon. Tetteh commended President Mahama for his commitment to increasing women’s representation in government, noting his efforts to appoint 30% or more women to key positions. “He’s done quite well, and we expect him to do even more,” she emphasized. She added that such appointments inspire more women to pursue leadership roles, citing the example of Ghana’s first female Vice President, who has encouraged women to aim for the pinnacle of their careers.
She expressed optimism that if the trend continues, women can achieve greater milestones by 2028. “If the President stays on this trajectory, women can reach any height they aspire to,” she said.
With the current NDC majority in Parliament, Hon. Tetteh noted the presence of 32 female MPs as a significant achievement. She described it as a “giant leap forward” and acknowledged the struggles many women faced to secure their seats.
While North Dayi is considered an NDC stronghold, Hon. Tetteh refuted suggestions that her path to Parliament was easy. She recounted personal attacks and societal biases favoring male representation, stating, “You only have to encourage yourself because no one pushed you here.” She likened the journey to navigating a refuse dump, saying, “Once you decide to be part of it, you can’t stop the vultures from feasting.”
Reflecting on her eight-year tenure, now in its third term, Hon. Tetteh recounted her challenges in winning primaries and general elections. From facing two opponents in her first attempt to competing against multiple female candidates and a male in her third, she has consistently emerged victorious. “I’ve opened the floodgates for more women to contest, and I have no qualms about it. What I’ve achieved, any other woman can too,” she affirmed.
Addressing the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy introduced by the New Patriotic Party, Hon. Tetteh described it as a flawed initiative. While acknowledging its benefits, she criticized hidden costs such as PTA dues and expenses for items like mattresses and school supplies. “I have three SHSs in my constituency, and I’ve had to provide for students because the policy isn’t entirely free,” she noted. She questioned how many families in her constituency could afford the GH¢6,000 required by some schools for their prospectus.
Hon. Tetteh praised the passing of the Affirmative Action Bill by the eighth Parliament as a landmark achievement. She emphasized that the bill ensures women are not just included as numbers but as integral decision-makers. “It’s a giant step forward. It gives us hope for the future,” she concluded.