Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called on all ECOWAS governments and partners to take practical steps to make the inclusion of women and young people a reality in institutions and politics across member states.
The Vice President made the call on Friday at the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Women and Youth Political Participation in Accra, emphasizing that commitment must translate into action.
“We therefore call on all governments and partners to continue to take even more practical steps to make inclusion of women and young people a reality in our institutions and politics across our respective member states,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated.
She stressed that inclusion is not rhetoric but determines whose input shapes policy and whose realities influence the development agenda across the sub-region.
The Vice President noted that while West Africa has made important commitments through the ECOWAS gender policy, ECOWAS youth policy, African Charter on Democracy, and Maputo Protocol, evidence across member states shows that women and young people remain underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making processes.
“The future of West Africa depends on our ability to harness the talents and leadership of all our people. It would be to our own detriment if we excluded women and young people,” she said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and announced that the Government of Ghana is ready to collaborate with ECOWAS partners to promote the common goal of political participation for women and youth.
She disclosed that Ghana has implemented intentional policies and institutional reforms to broaden political participation for women and young people, including the recent passing of the Affirmative Action Act which seeks to promote women’s leadership in public life.
The Vice President stated that women have continued to serve in key ministerial, parliamentary, judicial, and local government positions under President Mahama’s leadership, noting that gender equity remains a key government priority.
She emphasized that the administration has set a benchmark for appointing women to substantial leadership roles across major government sectors, describing it not as symbolic representation but as a practical commitment to inclusive decision-making.
“This is not a symbolic representation. It is a practical commitment to inclusive decision-making grounded in the view that institutions perform better when leadership reflects the society itself,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated.
The Vice President announced that through the Ministry of Youth and Development and the National Youth Authority, Ghana has established youth engagement platforms and youth representation within local governance structures.
She said young people are increasingly taking part in policy dialogue, civic education, and decision-making processes at all levels.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged that challenges remain but stressed the need to accelerate progress and do even more to achieve full inclusion.
She indicated that Ghana is ready to share expertise and best practices with ECOWAS partners while learning from diverse approaches implemented across the region.
“There is no one-size-fits-all model, and progress depends on honest sharing and practical cooperation,” she said.
The Vice President announced that Ghana will continue to invest deliberately in leadership development, mentorship, and capacity building for women and young people, especially at the grassroots level.
She stated that empowerment is most sustainable when it equips people with skills, confidence, and networks to lead not only in moments of opportunity but over the long term.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted that women and youth across the sub-region possess the talent and are ready to increase their capacity, stressing the need to enhance resources that support accountability, equal opportunity, and meaningful involvement in political life.
She extended appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS General Assembly, ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for their commitment to advancing equality, political participation, and inclusive leadership across the region.
The Vice President assured participants that the Government of Ghana will advance its commitment to backing the agenda, pledging that commitment will translate into action.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
