The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has underscored the importance of targeted capacity building for female Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), describing it as key to deepening inclusive governance and improving development outcomes nationwide.
She noted that empowering women leaders with the necessary skills, confidence and institutional backing is crucial—not only for their effectiveness in office but also to ensure governance at the local level reflects the needs of all citizens.
Madam Sowah made these remarks at a Special Orientation and Leadership Development Programme for female MMDCEs held in Kumasi, describing the initiative as a deliberate step by the Ministry to address existing gaps in leadership and participation.
While acknowledging the significant role women continue to play in community development, she pointed out that their presence in formal governance structures remains disproportionately low.
According to her, closing this gap requires more than increasing representation, stressing the need for sustained investment in strengthening the capacity of women already serving in leadership roles.
“This programme is more than a training; it is about empowering women to lead with confidence, competence and purpose,” she stated.
She explained that the programme aligns with the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Unlocking Leadership Excellence in Local Governance,” reflecting the government’s broader commitment to removing systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s participation.
Madam Sowah added that the training focuses on practical governance challenges, covering areas such as public financial management, procurement processes, digital governance, ethics and integrity, as well as citizen engagement—skills she described as essential for effective service delivery at the district level.
Beyond technical knowledge, she highlighted the value of mentorship and peer support, noting that strong networks among female leaders are critical in navigating the demands of public office and sustaining long-term success.
She encouraged participants to cultivate lasting professional relationships that would promote knowledge sharing and mutual support beyond the duration of the programme.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister called for intensified efforts to bring more women—especially young women—into local governance.
With the 2027 District Level Elections on the horizon, she urged stakeholders to create opportunities that would enable more women to contest and win leadership positions.
“We must intentionally create pathways for more women to enter leadership, not just through appointments, but through active participation in the electoral process,” she said.
Madam Sowah further stressed that achieving gender equality in governance requires collective action, calling on government institutions, civil society organisations and communities to support women in leadership roles.
The programme brought together female MMDCEs from across the country to engage with experts and resource persons, creating a platform for shared learning and experience exchange aimed at improving governance outcomes.
She expressed confidence that such initiatives would drive transformative leadership, enabling female MMDCEs to make meaningful contributions in their districts while advancing a more inclusive, accountable and development-focused system of governance in Ghana.
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