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 essential to strengthening inclusive governance across the country.
She made these remarks at a special Orientation and Leadership Development Programme specifically organized for female MMDCEs, as part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to promote gender-responsive governance within Ghana’s decentralised system.
The maiden programme, held in Kumasi,was designed as part of interventions by the Ministry to equip women leaders with the skills, confidence and institutional support required to excel in roles.
Speaking at the programme, Hon. Sowah noted that while women continue to make significant contributions to community development, their representation in formal governance structures remains disproportionately low.
According to her, bridging this gap requires deliberate policies and interventions that not only increase participation but also strengthen the effectiveness of women already in leadership.
“This programme is more than a training; it is about empowering women to lead with confidence, competence and purpose,” she stated.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the initiative aligns with the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: Unlocking Leadership Excellence in Local Governance,” which reflects the Ministry’s commitment to dismantling systemic challenges and positioning women to make lasting impact in their respective districts.
She highlighted that the training covers critical areas such as public financial management, procurement processes, digital governance, ethics and integrity, and citizen engagement — all of which are essential for effective local administration.
Hon. Sowah further stressed the importance of mentorship and peer support among female leaders, noting that building strong networks is key to sustaining leadership success.
She also called for increased efforts to encourage more women, particularly young women, to take an active interest in local governance, especially ahead of the 2027 District Level Elections.
“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.
Hon. Sowah reiterated that achieving gender equality in governance requires collective effort, urging stakeholders across government, civil society and communities to support women in leadership.
The programme has brought together female MMDCEs from across the country to engage with experts and resource persons, fostering knowledge sharing and practical learning aimed at improving governance outcomes at the local level.
She expressed optimism that the initiative will serve as a catalyst for transformative leadership among female MMDCEs, ultimately contributing to more inclusive, accountable and development-oriented governance.
