The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasised the pivotal role of women in local governance, describing female Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as key drivers of a more inclusive, accountable, and citizen-focused system.
Highlighting this belief, he announced the launch of a Special Orientation and Leadership Development Programme for female MMDCEs, describing it as a deliberate national initiative to strengthen inclusive governance. The two-day programme, held in Kumasi and organised in collaboration with his Deputy, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, forms part of broader efforts to enhance the capacity of women within Ghana’s decentralised governance framework.
Addressing participants at the opening session, Mr. Ibrahim noted that female MMDCEs play a critical role in advancing grassroots development, improving responsiveness, and deepening citizen engagement. “This is not just a training exercise; it is a strategic investment in leadership excellence and national development,” he said.
Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Unlocking Leadership Excellence in Local Governance,” the programme seeks to tackle barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in leadership. While women have consistently contributed as organisers, entrepreneurs, and mobilisers in communities, their presence in formal governance structures remains limited.
Mr. Ibrahim cited Ghana’s legal framework, including the Local Governance Act, 2016, and the 1992 Constitution, as the foundation for MMDCE responsibilities, and referenced the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, which targets 30 percent female representation by 2026 and 50 percent by 2030. Despite these targets, women currently occupy only 30 of 261 MMDCE positions, with Assembly-level representation slightly above four percent.
With the 2027 District Level Elections approaching, the Minister encouraged participants to promote women’s involvement through town hall meetings and other platforms, while also mentoring young women in schools to develop a pipeline of future leaders. He urged men to act as allies in achieving gender equality.
The programme features expert-led sessions on public financial management, procurement compliance, digital governance, ethics, conflict resolution, and local economic development, aligning with the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
Also speaking at the event, Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene expressed pride in the region’s performance, noting it currently has the highest number of female MMDCEs in the country, and pledged to continue efforts to increase women’s representation in leadership.
Concluding the session, Mr. Ibrahim encouraged participants to embrace the programme’s vision, break barriers, challenge limitations, and build lasting legacies in their communities.
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