Sunyani West MP-elect Commends Mahama for Appointing Ghana’s First Female Vice President

Millicent Amankwah Yeboah, the Member of Parliament-elect for Sunyani West Constituency, has expressed her heartfelt appreciation to President-elect John Dramani Mahama for his historic decision to appoint Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate in the 2024 General Election. Following the NDC’s victory in the presidential race, Professor Opoku-Agyemang is poised to make history as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

In her remarks, Millicent Amankwah Yeboah extended a warm thank you to President Mahama for selecting a woman for such a significant position, saying, “I want to say a very big thank you to John Mahama for choosing a female as his running mate and now Vice President.” She emphasized the profound impact this appointment will have on gender representation in the highest levels of government, stating, “I think there will be much more engagement in women empowerment since we have a female Vice President in the Jubilee House.” Yeboah’s comments reflect the widespread recognition of the symbolic importance of having a woman in such a critical leadership role, especially at a time when the empowerment of women is a key priority for many advocates.

In a further interview on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Millicent Amankwah Yeboah addressed the common perception that politics is a challenging arena for women. She firmly rejected the notion that politics is a “risky game” for women, saying, “I don’t see women in politics as a risky game because of how prepared my mind is.” This statement highlights her confidence and commitment to overcoming the barriers that women often face in political spaces. Yeboah’s assertion underscores her belief that women are equally capable of succeeding in politics, a sentiment that echoes the broader movement for greater gender equality in leadership.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment as running mate in 2020 marked a historic moment, as she became the first woman to hold such a high-profile position in the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) history. Her reappointment in 2024 not only solidifies her place in Ghana’s political legacy but also establishes her as a trailblazer for women in leadership. Throughout her career, Opoku-Agyemang has been a role model for many, inspiring women to pursue leadership roles in both the political and public spheres.

Opoku-Agyemang’s rise to the position of Vice President further strengthens the message that women’s involvement in governance is both essential and impactful. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of gender equality and representation in leadership, and it serves as a beacon of hope for the many women aspiring to make a difference in their communities and countries.

Millicent Amankwah Yeboah’s comments reflect a broader recognition of the importance of female leadership in Ghana’s political landscape. With a female Vice President set to assume office, there is a growing optimism about the future of gender equality in governance. The leadership of women like Opoku-Agyemang is expected to create new opportunities for women across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and business, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and balanced society.

The appointment of Professor Opoku-Agyemang is not just a personal triumph for her but also a monumental victory for all women in Ghana. It represents a significant step towards achieving a more equitable political system, where women are given the same opportunities as men to contribute meaningfully to national development. Millicent Amankwah Yeboah’s reflections highlight the significance of this achievement and underscore the belief that the future of Ghana’s leadership should be inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the entire population.

As the first female Vice President of Ghana prepares to take office, her role will undoubtedly inspire future generations of women who will look to her as proof that women can hold the highest offices in the land. The increasing participation of women in political leadership will hopefully continue to inspire positive changes in governance, with a focus on policies that benefit all citizens, especially women and marginalized groups.