Women To Watch In Ghanaian Politics [An African Election]

By Latoya Peterson

Like so many other nations, the political landscape in Ghana is dominated by men. An African Election takes a look at the key players in the battle for the highest office in the land–but aside from a few brief comments from Hanna Tetteh, the election is yet another boys’ club. But that doesn’t mean that women aren’t on the scene.

Honorable Hanna Tetteh, Minister for Trade and Industry, NDC

Hannah Tetteh. Courtesy: ghananewsagency.org

Hanna Tetteh made her mark early on, joining the International Federation of Women Lawyers a year after being appointed Barrister-at-Law in 1992. Her first foray into politics was in 2000, when she ran for Parliament. After serving one term, she took a time out and returned as John Atta Mills’s communication director in 2008. She was appointed by Atta Mills in 2009 to her current position as Minister for Trade and Industry. She is a member of the National Democratic Congress.

Here’s an interview with Tetteh, sponsored by the World Bank:

Hannah Tetteh, Ghana Minister of Trade and Industry from World Bank on Vimeo. 

Eva Lokko, Vice Presidential Candidate, PPP

Eva Lokko. Courtesy: spyghana.com

Lokko is a relative newcomer to the political scene, but the Progressive People’s Party VP candidate is dedicated to bringing women’s issues to the forefront of conversation.

According to the party’s press statement:

Madam Lokko is an assertive and accomplished professional. She is a family woman who comes from a proud Ga home and tradition. She is fluent in Ga, Hausa, Twi, Fanti, English and Russian with working knowledge of French and has travelled to 44 countries. She has worked for the United Nations, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and operated as the CEO of a critical, youth oriented Non-Governmental Organization.

On top of all that she is an engineer and communications expert with a master’s degree in Intelligent Management Systems, System Analysis and Design.

Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah, Member of Parliament, CPP

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