Women: The destiny changers

Men and women work alongside each other, acknowledging their different makeups. Despite the generally accepted view that men lead and women follow, especially in marriages and homes, women often emerge as towers of strength for families and societies. Referencing the oldest book in human history, the Bible, women have had a powerful influence on their children, husbands, and nations. These women played critical roles in the redemption of their societies and occupy special places of honor.

In the history of the Jewish people, many women stood out as influential destiny changers. Deborah, a female judge and leader of Israel, was known for her strength, courage, and leadership. Similarly, Esther, a Persian queen of Jewish origin, demonstrated courage and leadership in delivering the Jewish people from annihilation during a critical time in history.

In contemporary times, women are stepping up as first responders, change-makers, and activists that their families and local communities across the world need. Angela Merkel, the erstwhile Chancellor of Germany, exemplifies the epitome of statesmanship, navigating the complexities of European politics with aplomb. Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has redefined the paradigm of compassionate leadership, demonstrating that empathy, kindness, and strength can coexist in harmony.

Ghana has had a remarkable but chequered political history, with constant shivers that our democratic boat since the inception of the Fourth Republic was about to shipwreck, especially during the last eight years. It was evident that the elected leaders in office were there for themselves rather than the Ghanaian people.

For those who believe in God, they constantly cried and called to Him for deliverance. It is apt to say that He heard and showed mercy, giving Ghana a leadership that has revived the hope and aspiration of the people. This leader, described by those with the ‘seeing eye and the hearing ear’—the prophets—as a man with a good heart, has been brought back into leadership by God. This is reminiscent of Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and his role during World War II.

For the first time, providence paired the newly elected President with a woman Vice President. Many observers expect our first-ever Vice President to demonstrate the character of Esther rather than that of Jezebel. Rightly so, as most Ghanaians can attest to the virtuous nature and character of our current Vice President, who, in her previous role as Minister of Education, stood out without blemish. During previous political campaigns in Ghana, political opponents struggled without success to pin any dirt on her.

One is convinced that she is aware that God has chosen her at such a time to support President John Mahama, to restore and catapult Ghana to an enviable status in the comity of nations.

As referenced earlier, women played an essential role in God’s plan for redemption. These were modest and virtuous women who trusted in God and allowed nothing to defeat their faith in fulfilling their divine mandate. They strived in the face of adversity; think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, Hannah, the mother of Samuel, Esther, the Persian Queen, and Deborah, a Jewish judge.

Ghanaians are equally blessed with another virtuous woman of experience who, in her previous lifetime, exhibited great humility with a contrite heart: the current First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, who can aptly be described as the mother of the nation.

The President’s appointment of new Regional Ministers comes with another novelty: a woman Regional Minister for Greater Accra. With a reasonable number of women elected to Parliament, it is with great expectation that we will see more women appointees. However, it should not just be any woman, but rather virtuous women with a passion for work, with motherly feelings and sympathy, but firm in doing right by Ghanaians. Let God be their guide as they serve in resetting Ghana for the better.

As Ghana navigates the complexities of its Fourth Republic, the nation would do well to draw inspiration from the likes of Queen Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba, who resisted Portuguese colonization with unwavering courage, or Yaa Asantewaa, the Ashanti queen mother who led the rebellion against British colonial rule. These women, like Esther and Deborah, exemplified the heart, symbolizing love, goodwill, patience, faithfulness, fondness, endurance, and consistency.

As the nation looks to the future, it is imperative to recognize the transformative power of women leadership. By harnessing the collective energy, creativity, and resilience of women, Ghana can unlock its full potential, surmounting the challenges of the past to forge a brighter, more inclusive future.

May God continue to endow President Mahama with all that is required to restore permanent smiles to the faces of all well-meaning Ghanaians.