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Appoint more women as MMDCEs …V/R Women’s Organiser appeals
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Some party faithful have called on President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President to consider appointing more women as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Ms Delfia Fafa Agbai, the Volta Regional Women’s Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former District Chief Executive (DCE) for North Tongu, said increasing women’s representation in local governance will demonstrate the government’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment. Ms Agbai made this appeal at the conclusion of the MMDCE vetting process in Ho on January 28. She expressed excitement over the growing number of women aspiring for leadership roles in the region, noting that 30 women were among the 237 aspirants vetted for the 18 available positions.
“This is a significant improvement from previous years. When I served as a DCE, only six women held similar positions. The increase in female aspirants today is proof that more women are stepping forward to take leadership roles,” she stated.
She acknowledged that many women have, in the past, hesitated to apply for political positions due to fear of intimidation and societal stigma. However, the increasing number of female aspirants this time around is a positive shift.
Ms Agbai urged Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who herself is a strong advocate for women’s rights, to use her influence to ensure more women receive appointments as MMDCEs. “I am appealing to our Vice President, who is also a woman, to encourage the President to appoint more women as MMDCEs.
This will not only empower women but also contribute to the overall development of our communities,” she said. Mr Alexander Gabby Hotordze, Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Tongu, who was also present at the vetting, emphasized that the NDC has a wealth of qualified men and women ready to take on leadership roles.
“The calibre of aspirants we vetted proves that we have capable individuals, both men and women, who are ready to serve. It is important that we continue to provide equal opportunities for both genders in governance,” he noted.
The vetting process, which lasted a week, saw aspirants from across the Volta Region appear before the committee. With the process now complete, the focus shifts to the final selection of MMDCEs who will lead various districts and municipalities in the region.
President John Dramani Mahama will embark on a four-day official visit to Jamaica from August 2 to August 5, 2026, to strengthen relations between the two countries and promote the global campaign for reparations over the transatlantic slave trade.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Presidency Communications Office and signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the visit is intended to deepen the long-standing historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Jamaica while expanding cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The Presidency said the visit follows Ghana’s recent support to Jamaica after a major natural disaster and reflects the country’s continued commitment to its Caribbean partners and the African diaspora.
As part of the visit, President Mahama will participate in a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, with the Vice Chancellor of the university and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Sir Hilary Beckles.
According to the statement, the dialogue is aimed at advancing calls for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting effects, building on efforts by the African Union and CARICOM.
The President will also pay tribute to Jamaica’s Pan-African heritage by laying a wreath at the shrine of National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey at the National Heroes Park. He is also expected to visit the Ghanaian Village Houses at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann to recognise the shared ancestral links between Ghana and Jamaica.
During the visit, President Mahama will hold bilateral talks with Jamaica’s Prime Minister on trade, culture and South-South cooperation.
He is also scheduled to address a joint sitting of Jamaica’s Parliament, where he will outline his vision for stronger cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
The itinerary further includes a Trade and Investment Dialogue, a tour of the Kingston Freeport hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica, a courtesy call by the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, and attendance at the “Mello-Go-Roun” cultural event as Jamaica marks its 64th Independence Anniversary.
The statement added that Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen will host a state dinner in honour of President Mahama at King’s House.
According to the Presidency, the visit is expected to strengthen Ghana-Jamaica relations, position Ghana as a gateway for CARICOM’s engagement with Africa, and promote cooperation on reparations, economic development and South-South partnerships.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Identification Authority (NIA) will on Saturday, August 1, 2026, open its first NIA Prestige Centre at Labone in Accra.
The Centre is a premium, fee-based facility designed to provide faster, more convenient and flexible access to Ghana Card registration and related services.
In a statement, the Authority said the Labone Prestige Centre will operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays.
“This will enable members of the public to access NIA services at any time that is convenient for them,” the NIA stated.
All services at the Prestige Centre will attract approved fees. The NIA said the facility is meant to complement existing registration centres by offering an additional option for applicants who require greater convenience and quicker turnaround.
The Authority noted that the Labone Centre is the first of several Prestige Centres planned nationwide. Additional locations will be announced as they become operational.
“The NIA remains committed to making identity services more accessible, efficient and secure, while delivering a customer-centred experience for all eligible applicants,” the statement added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
