Lessons for Nigerian Women as Ghana Elects First Female Vice President
By Abdulmajeed Abdullateef
In a significant milestone for women’s political empowerment, Ghana recently welcomed its first female Vice President in the country’s 67 years of post-independence history. This momentous event followed the country’s recent general elections, with mixed reactions from Ghanaian women as they reflect on the strides made and the challenges ahead.
With the election of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a 73-year-old professor of Literature, Ghana joins a select group of African nations, making it one of only 17 to elect a female Vice President. Her rise to power brings the possibility of Ghana electing its first female president closer to reality, following in the footsteps of Namibia, which recently elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its Vice President.
While this historic achievement has been hailed as a triumph for gender equality, it has also sparked discussions about the struggles and setbacks faced by female politicians in Ghana, particularly when it comes to representation in the country’s parliament. Despite a significant legal push for women’s rights in Ghana, which resulted in the passing of an Affirmative Action bill in July 2024, female representation in Parliament has plateaued in recent years. In contrast, Nigeria’s female representation in its legislature has steadily declined since the start of the Fourth Republic, with the percentage dropping from over 8% in 1999 to a meager 4.2% in 2023.
In Ghana, over a period of 12 years, the number of women in parliament grew from 29 out of 275 members in 2012 to 40 by 2020. However, the 2024 elections showed a stagnation at 41 women in Parliament, largely due to party shifts, with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing significant female representation to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Female politicians in Ghana have had to face unique challenges, with many losing touch with their constituencies or failing to fulfill promises made during campaigns. According to Hon. Vida Akekodaga Kabuga, a prominent Ghanaian politician, these factors contributed to their defeats.
Kabuga further explained that the political climate in Ghana has been shaped by poor governance, high living costs, corruption, and the “winner-takes-all” mentality, which has severely affected the performance of many candidates, including women. In her view, female politicians in Ghana face an uphill battle, with men often unwilling to yield positions or power based solely on gender. However, she emphasized that women could succeed in politics by building trust with voters, remaining focused on the needs of their communities, and providing practical solutions.
While the appointment of Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is seen as a significant step forward, Kabuga notes that political success for women requires a combination of strategy, commitment, and the right attitude. Women who wish to enter politics must focus on development work, communicate with their communities regularly, and avoid over-promising.
Despite these challenges, the recent elections in Ghana reflect a shifting tide. Ghana’s political landscape is evolving, and many observers, including Kabuga, believe the election of Opoku-Agyemang is part of a larger strategy to prepare her for the presidential race in the future. “If her party implements their policies well, she will have a smooth path ahead,” said Kabuga.
Ghana’s journey toward gender parity in politics is far from complete, but it offers valuable lessons for Nigeria. The two countries share many similarities, both being English-speaking nations with comparable educational systems. However, cultural differences—such as Ghana’s matrilineal society, where women have historically held legitimate power—give Ghanaian women a distinct advantage in politics. While the road ahead is long for both countries, Ghana’s success serves as a beacon of hope for Nigerian women, who must continue to push for greater representation and political participation.
Currently, Nigeria lags behind Ghana in terms of female political representation, ranking 129th on the Global Gender Gap Index. In comparison, Ghana stands at 117th. For Nigeria to catch up with countries like Rwanda and Senegal, which have made significant strides in female political representation, a seismic shift in policy and attitude will be necessary. Rwanda, for instance, boasts the highest percentage of women in parliament globally, with women comprising 61.3% of its legislative body.
As Nigerian women look to Ghana’s example, it is clear that change is possible. The emergence of Ghana’s first female Vice President sends a powerful message to Nigerian women: with the right strategies, commitment, and unity, they too can rise to the highest political offices in the land.
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