Madam Dzifa Gomashie, Member of Parliament for Ketu South, has urged women to secure financial independence before entering politics, emphasizing the high financial demands of the political arena. Speaking to The High Street Journal at a forum organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa on women’s political participation, she described politics as a costly venture, requiring substantial capital to succeed.
“Politics has become a high-stakes business venture, with costs that go beyond the visible expenses like posters and rallies. The demands of fuel for crisscrossing constituencies, the unspoken obligation to provide food and drinks for supporters, and the logistics involved in running a campaign drain resources rapidly,” Gomashie explained.
She added that many women struggle to maintain their campaigns due to the immense financial burden, often relying on personal funds that quickly diminish. “For many women, these financial strains force them to step back, as personal funds alone are often not enough to sustain a campaign,” she lamented.
The forum also featured a keynote speech from Otiko Afisa Djaba, Executive Director of the Henry Djaba Memorial Foundation and former Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection. Djaba encouraged women to embrace their femininity and leadership potential, declaring, “Without women, the world would end,” and urging participants to challenge gender stereotypes in politics. Her call for boldness was warmly received by attendees.
Dr. Kojo Imprsim, Director of Media for Peace and Sustainable Development, opened the event with remarks highlighting the media’s role in promoting gender equality in governance. Sheila Minkah, Convenor of the Affirmative Action Coalition and Chairperson of the event, reflected on the long path toward passing the Affirmative Action Law in Ghana, stressing its importance in leveling the political playing field for women.
A panel discussion followed, featuring Madam Gomashie, Nana Yaa Jantuah, former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Dr. Abdulai Darimani, a World Bank consultant, and Mercy Catherine Adjabeng, Convener of the Alliance for Women in Media Africa. The panel addressed the practical challenges faced by women in politics, including fundraising and overcoming gender biases, and shared strategies for navigating these obstacles.
