Jocelyn Tetteh, the Member of Parliament for North Dayi, champions the transformative power of the Affirmative Action Bill, highlighting its potential to empower women in Ghanaian politics and prepare them for leadership roles within the government. This bill, she argues, is not merely about increasing the number of women in positions of power, but about ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes, a crucial step towards gender equality in governance. She believes the bill fosters an environment where women can thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s political landscape, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative government.
Hon. Tetteh draws on her personal experience, entering Parliament at the young age of 28, to illustrate the resilience and capabilities of women in politics. She asserts her readiness to serve in any capacity, confident in her ability to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Her journey is a testament to the potential of young women to excel in leadership roles, dismantling traditional barriers and inspiring a new generation of female politicians. She firmly believes that experience gained through navigating the complexities of the political arena equips women with the skills and fortitude necessary to excel in higher office.
President John Mahama’s commitment to appointing more women to key government positions receives strong commendation from Hon. Tetteh. She sees this commitment as a concrete step towards achieving greater gender balance in leadership and a powerful signal of the administration’s dedication to inclusivity. This proactive approach, she argues, not only empowers women currently in politics but also encourages more women to aspire to leadership roles, creating a positive feedback loop that drives further progress. The precedent set by Ghana’s first female Vice President serves as a powerful symbol, demonstrating the heights women can reach and inspiring future generations to aim for the top.
The current NDC majority in Parliament, with its 32 female MPs, signifies a significant milestone, a “giant leap forward” in Hon. Tetteh’s words. This achievement underscores the growing influence of women in Ghanaian politics and represents a tangible outcome of efforts to promote gender equality in representation. She acknowledges the arduous journey many women undertake to secure these positions, highlighting the societal biases and personal attacks they often face. Her own experience in North Dayi, despite being considered an NDC stronghold, exemplifies these challenges, emphasizing the resilience and determination required of women in politics.
Hon. Tetteh’s political journey, spanning three terms in Parliament, has been marked by consistent victories in both primaries and general elections. She describes navigating the political landscape as akin to traversing a refuse dump, a challenging and often unpleasant experience. Despite facing multiple opponents, including both male and female candidates, she has consistently emerged victorious, paving the way for more women to contest and demonstrating that the barriers to entry can be overcome. Her story is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity, a testament to the power of self-belief and determination.
Addressing the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, Hon. Tetteh acknowledges its positive aspects while criticizing hidden costs that burden families. She highlights the financial strain imposed by expenses like PTA dues, mattresses, and school supplies, arguing that the policy falls short of its promise of complete free education. Drawing on her experience in her constituency, where she has three SHSs, she emphasizes the real-world impact of these hidden costs on families and the need for greater transparency and support to ensure equitable access to education. The high cost of prospectuses in some schools further exacerbates the financial burden, making access to education a challenge for many families. Ultimately, she advocates for a more comprehensive approach to free education that truly alleviates the financial pressures on families and ensures that all children have equal opportunities.
