Jomoro MP and Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has issued a bold call to action against the harmful cultural norms and outdated stereotypes that continue to sideline women in Ghana.
Speaking at the 2026 International Women’s Day commemoration at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Hon. Affo-Toffey argued that achieving true equality is not a solo mission for women.
She challenged men to stand as allies, dismantling the systemic barriers that restrict the potential of their daughters, sisters, and female colleagues.
Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Jomoro MP, addressing the gathering
Drawing on her role as Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Affo-Toffey offered a unique perspective on the intersection of mobility and opportunity.
She emphasized that for women to succeed in the modern economy, they must first have access to safe, reliable, and accessible transportation.
”The Ministry isn’t just looking at asphalt and engines; we are looking at gender-responsive transport,” she stated.
The Ministry is currently working to redesign public transport systems with a primary focus on the safety and mobility needs of women and other vulnerable groups.
Addressing the event’s theme, “Investing in Gender Equality for a More Inclusive and Safer Ghana for All,” the Deputy Minister introduced the “Give to Gain” philosophy. She underscored that prioritizing the education and protection of girls is a direct investment in the nation’s economic productivity.
”When we invest in women and girls, we aren’t doing them a favor; we are investing in the very soul of Ghana’s future,” she noted.
The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders, including the Ghana Armed Forces, GIZ, UN Women, and the National Youth Authority.
The Jomoro lawmaker stressed that such partnerships are vital to ensuring that frameworks like the National Gender Policy and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act transition from paper policies to lived realities.
Furthermore, she advocated for opening doors for young women in technical, male-dominated sectors such as aviation, maritime services, and logistics through targeted capacity-building and mentorship.
By moving from aspiration to action, Hon. Affo-Toffey believes Ghana is positioning itself not just as a leader in West Africa, but as a global benchmark for what happens when a nation stops viewing gender equality as a burden and begins treating it as its most valuable asset.
By 1960news.com
