Accra: Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency in charge of Finance and Administration, has called for a renewed commitment to establish systems and structures that empower future generations of women to aspire, lead, and serve with distinction. She emphasized this in her welcome address at a workshop and health screening organized by the Presidency to commemorate this year's International Women's Day.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event was held under the theme 'Rights, Justice, Action For ALL Women and Girls,' with the Presidency joining the global community in celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in Ghana. Nana Oye praised the accomplishments of Vice President Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who served as the guest speaker at the event, noting her historic impact on female leadership in Ghana.
Nana Oye expressed gratitude to the Vice President for her support and the trail she blazed for female leaders. She highlighted the critical roles women play within the Presidency and across public service, urging reflection on their significant contributions to institutional growth, effectiveness, and stability.
She cited several trailblazing Ghanaian women, including Justice Georgina Theodora Woode, the first female Chief Justice of Ghana, and Hannah Kudjoe, a prominent activist for Ghanaian independence, as well as Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who broke barriers as the first woman Vice Chancellor of a public university in Ghana.
Nana Oye recognized the journeys of women like Esther Ocloo and Auntie Shika Baeta, emphasizing that breaking barriers and creating opportunities enable women to lead and transform institutions, inspiring future generations. She noted that women at the Presidency continue to serve with distinction across various responsibilities, from administration to policy development.
Globally, women occupy less than one-third of senior leadership roles, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), indicating progress but also highlighting the need for more work. Nana Oye reiterated the importance of reflecting equity in both policy and practice, advocating for the creation of opportunities and nurturing of talent to open pathways to leadership.
She emphasized the significance of dialogue and reflection on women's leadership and influence in the workplace, stressing that cooperation and conversations are crucial. Nana Oye concluded by stating that progress requires collaboration beyond women alone, advocating for workplaces that embody the values of equity, respect, and opportunity, and celebrating the tireless efforts of women advancing Ghana's development.