‘We must dismantle systemic barriers holding young women back’ – Plan International Ghana

The Country Director of Plan International Ghana, Mr. Constant Tchona, has urged bold and deliberate measures to ensure girls and young women are given equal opportunities to participate in political leadership at all levels of governance.

Delivering his opening remarks at the National Youth Conference breakout session on Girls and Young Women’s Participation in Political Leadership, he stressed that development cannot be sustainable if half of society is excluded from decision-making.

“We must ensure that leadership is not determined by gender but by merit, vision, and commitment to the public good,” Mr. Tchona said.

The breakout session formed part of the She Leads Project, a partnership between Plan International Ghana and the National Youth Authority, designed to amplify the voices of young women and build their capacity to engage in governance.

Mr. Tchona described the platform as a unique opportunity to confront the barriers young women face and to reimagine a leadership culture that values inclusivity.

“This session is not just another conversation. It is an opportunity to confront the systemic barriers that young women face in politics and leadership, and to examine how we can, as a collective, dismantle those barriers,” he explained.

He highlighted mentorship and capacity-building as crucial to nurturing the next generation of female leaders, stressing that empowering girls early would shape Ghana’s democratic future.

“We must create inclusive spaces and provide mentorship that nurtures young women into confident, capable leaders,” he said.

The session featured a high-profile panel including Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Klottey Korle; Shamima Muslim, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson; Musah Abdulai Esq. from the Office of the Vice President; Becky Ahadzi Esq., Coordinator of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition; and Priscilla Khadijah Vawurah, former SRC President of SD Dombo University.

Mr. Tchona challenged participants to carry the lessons beyond the conference, arguing that real change starts at the community level.

“Your presence here today is a testament to your commitment to change. Let us leave this session with not only inspiration but a renewed determination to build a Ghana where young women are not only in the room but leading the charge for transformative change,” he concluded.