Mahama deliberately creating space for women in political leadership – Joyce Bawah 

A Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has praised the President for deliberately creating opportunities for women to occupy key positions in Ghana’s political leadership.

According to the aide, the increasing presence of women in senior government positions under the current administration reflects a broader change in Ghana’s political landscape.

She said women are increasingly moving beyond roles as candidates, communicators and supporters to become trusted advisers, strategists, aides and decision-makers at the highest levels of political leadership.

“I see women becoming part of the political architecture not merely as candidates, communicators or supporters, but as trusted advisers, strategists, aides and decision-makers operating at the highest levels of political leadership,” she said.

The Senior Presidential Advisor made the observation in a social media post on Wednesday, August 26, while reflecting on her political journey and the growing representation of women in leadership.

She recalled that when President Mahama, then leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), nominated her to succeed Madam Hannah Tetteh, there were concerns about her age and experience.

She noted that while some believed she was too young for the role, she viewed the opportunity as one she could use to learn and grow.

Madam Bawah Mogtari subsequently served as President Mahama’s Special Aide and became one of the regular voices speaking for the former President and the NDC during its time in opposition.

The aide also highlighted President Mahama’s decision to nominate Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate in two successive electoral cycles.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang is now the Vice President of Ghana.

She further pointed to the appointment of women as Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Executives, Deputy Chief Executives and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives under the current administration.

However, she acknowledged that challenges remain for women in political leadership, particularly regarding parity, visibility and recognition.

“Leadership is not always something you arrive with. Sometimes it is developed through responsibility, pressure, exposure and the courage of someone willing to give you the opportunity in the first place,” she said.