First national forum on Women in Government and Media launches strategic dialogue

The maiden Women in Government and Media Forum was convened by the Government Commuications Office on February 19, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Jubilee House under the patronage of John Dramani Mahama (President of the Republic of Ghana).

Held under the theme, “Leadership, Visibility, & Public Trust,” the high-level gathering brought together female leaders in government and media to deepen collaboration and strengthen public confidence in leadership.

The forum brought together distinguished female ministers, deputy ministers, CEOs, Members of Parliament, senior public officers, female media practitioners, editors, producers, and broadcasters to engage in strategic dialogue on leadership visibility, narrative ownership, ethical communication, and the role of women in shaping national discourse.

The program, moderated by Shamima Muslim, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, featured a welcome address by Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), who described the forum as a strategic platform to build alignment between women in public office and women shaping national narratives through media.

Special remarks were delivered by Minister of State, Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, alongside contributions from the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who collectively underscored the importance of this gathering.

Veep shares leadership insights with women in media

A significant highlight of the program was the series of statements delivered by;

• Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection

• Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts

• Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry

• Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, Leader of the Women’s Caucus in Parliament

• Judith Adjobah Blay, CEO, Ghana Gas.

Across their varied portfolios, a unifying message emerged: women’s leadership must move beyond symbolic visibility to measurable impact, stronger institutional accountability, and the intentional rebuilding of public trust, with the Leader of the Women’s Caucus reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to deepening bipartisan collaboration on issues affecting women nationwide.

The forum also featured a focused tête-à-tête engagement with the Heads of the Ghana National Fire Service, DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong and the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie (Esq) spotlighting institutional reforms, operational discipline, and the evolving role of women within the security services.

The keynote address was delivered by Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who charged participants to treat leadership as responsibility rather than status.

She stressed that credibility, ethical conduct, and competence must anchor women’s growing visibility in public life, urging leaders in both government and media to protect truth, deepen substance, and cultivate trust in democratic institutions.

The main panel Discussion brought together;

• Dr. Grace Ayensu, Deputy Minister of Health/MP;

• Oheneyere Gifty Anti, Broadcaster;

• Nana Yaa Jantuah, Former Journalist and Presidential Staffer;

• and Margaret Ansei, CEO, Ghana Enterprises Agency.

Panelists examined public scrutiny for women in leadership, building public trust, and strengthening media government collaboration.

The forum was further energised by cultural and musical performances, including a surprise performance by renowned Ghanaian songstress, Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor widely known by her stage name Efya, whose appearance brought vibrancy and renewed energy to the room.

The event concluded with commitments toward institutionalising the Women in Government and Media platform as an annual convening dedicated to strengthening collaboration, credibility, and transformative leadership.

MRA/VPO

Security officer's accusation triggered mob attack on Austin Tengeeh - Girlfriend speaks