Women groups congratulate first female Vice-President-elect

As the curtains draw a close to the 2024 general election, the victory of the National Democratic Party (NDC) will go down in the history of the country as the first party to have produced a female vice-president.

Several women groups have poured in congratulatory messages to Vice-President-elect, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, for breaking the glass ceiling to become the first to achieve such a feat in the country.

ASWIM  

The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM), which is the women’s wing of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in a message extended a hearty congratulation to Prof. Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana's first female Vice-President!

The statement signed by its President, Mavis Kitcher, said: “Her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa”.

It said: “With her remarkable sense of purpose, discipline, vision, scholarship, tenacity and dedication to excellence, she has broken many a mould, epitomising the cherished Ghanaian proverb that, “ahwene pa nkasa”, to wit: your sterling works and the beauty of your character speak for you.”

It added that “ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university - the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC).

The association expressed its confidence that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable would characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service.

AWMA

The Alliance For Women In Media Africa (AWMA), another media-centred women’s group, also said it was thrilled to extend hearty congratulations to Ghana's first-ever female Vice-President-elect, on her historical feat.

It said her election as Ghana's first female Vice-President was a defining moment in the country’s political history, adding that this milestone achievement marked a significant step forward for the recognition of women's abilities, as well as their representation in Ghana's highest offices.

It added that “as a distinguished academic and former Minister of Education, her achievement shatters long-standing barriers that have hindered women and inspires women to envision themselves in positions of power and influence.

Signed by its Convenor, Mercy Catherine Adjabeng, the statement celebrated her dedication, perseverance and leadership, which, it said, had paved the way for future generations of women in public leadership, particularly in politics.

It further stated that “her election endorses the crucial need for women’s representation to ensure women’s voices are heard and their issues, fairly recognised”.

AA Law Coalition

The Affirmative Action Law Coalition also extended its heartfelt congratulations, saying this monumental achievement did not only mark a significant milestone in the democratic landscape of political participation in the nation but also served as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and dedication.

“Your leadership is poised to pave the way for greater representation and empowerment of women in governance, fostering an environment where diverse voices contribute to shaping our nation's future,” it said.

The Coalition was hopeful that the Vice-President-elect's “tenure will bring about transformative changes and strengthen Ghana's commitment to equality and justice for all” and looked forward to witnessing the positive impact of her leadership and working with her towards the implementation of Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).

NETRIGHT

The Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), Women’s Manifesto Coalition (WMC) and the DV Coalition also extended their heartfelt congratulations, saying:

“We are proud of you for breaking the glass ceiling to become the first female Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana. Your boldness and determination are exceptional and a good example for emulation. Attaining the 2nd highest position in the country is a game-changer for Ghanaian women”.

It congratulated the NDC on leading the way for a woman to occupy the second highest position in the country and hoped that this would not be tokenistic but one example of how the NDC would honour its promise to the women of Ghana, including ensuring that women made up at least 30 per cent of all its appointees.

The statement, which was signed by Convenor, NETRIGHT, Prof. Akosua Darkwah; the Domestic Violence National Coordinator, Adolf Awuku-Bekoe,  and the Convenor,

Women’s Manifesto Coalition (WMC), Hamida Harrison, called on the incoming NDC government to put the necessary measures in place to facilitate the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024.

The Coalition believed that women’s active participation and representation in politics at the highest level could lead to a qualitative difference in the way the country was governed, especially in terms of inclusiveness and equitable distribution of national resources.

ABANTU

ABANTU for Development, a women's rights group also congratulated Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who has made history as Ghana’s First Female Vice-President-elect and sent its warmest congratulations on her victory and also wished her success as she prepares to take up the responsibilities and challenges of her high office.

“This is a proud moment in Ghana’s history and we look forward to seeing you lead the process of deepening our quest for fairness and equality, as you bring your unique and important perspectives to add to the political and leadership role of women and girls in the democratic journey of Ghana,” the groups Executive Director, Dr Rose Mensah-Kutin, said in a statement.

 “Indeed, in your acceptance speech on December 9, 2024, you assured the citizens of Ghana that you would hold the door open for many more women and girls to show up and claim their space in the governance and development process of Ghana,” it said.

ABANTU and the Women’s Manifesto Coalition also congratulated Jean Adukwei Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission on successfully conducting the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

AWLN

The Africa Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana also congratulated the in-coming Vice-President saying this was a monumental milestone, not just for women in Ghana, but for the entire nation.

It said the victory is an inspiration to women and girls across Ghana, showing them that they too can break barriers and achieve greatness saying “We celebrate your win and look forward to the positive change you will bring to Ghana”.

The statement signed by its Chairperson, Dr. Charity Binka, it said the achievement was a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and leadership adding that “as a renowned academic and first female vice chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, your recent achievement has moved the bar even higher”.

It also extended appreciation to the President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama for his historic decision to choose a female Vice President saying Ghana was equally grateful to the National Democratic Congress for showing commitment to women’s leadership.

This milestone marks a significant step towards gender equality, women's empowerment and commitment to inclusivity and diversity.