Gossip
2024 was a groundbreaking year for Ghana, marked by numerous trailblazing achievements across various fields.
Ghanaians from diverse backgrounds pushed boundaries, setting new records in the Guinness Book of Records and making silent strides in their respective industries. Ghanaian women, renowned for their diligence and perseverance, played a pivotal role in shattering glass ceilings.
In 2024, Ghanaian women made history in several fields, including:
– Politics: Women took on leadership roles, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
– Diplomacy: Ghanaian women excelled in international relations, fostering global connections and cooperation.
– Military: Women in the military demonstrated exceptional bravery and leadership, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
– Science: Ghanaian women made significant contributions to scientific research and innovation, driving progress and advancement.
These remarkable women have redefined what is possible, inspiring a new wave of achievers and cementing Ghana’s position as a hub for talent and innovation.
1. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang:
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has shattered glass ceilings by becoming Ghana’s first female vice president-elect, a historic milestone achieved 67 years after the country gained independence. Her party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured the 2024 presidential election, paving the way for her groundbreaking achievement.
A trailblazer in every sense, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang has consistently broken records throughout her illustrious academic and political career. She made history as Ghana’s first female vice-chancellor and became the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 2008 ¹.
Her impressive list of achievements includes being the first female to be appointed as the running mate of the two major political parties in Ghana—the NDC and the NPP. In 2020, she achieved another milestone as the first woman selected as a running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), partnering with John Dramani Mahama to inspire countless women to aspire to leadership roles in Ghana’s political landscape.
As the first female vice president-elect of Ghana, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also holds the distinction of being the first female vice president-elect in the entire West African sub-region, cementing her legacy as a pioneering figure in Ghanaian politics.
2. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has made history by becoming the first Ghanaian and African woman to be elected Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. Her groundbreaking achievement came at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on October 25, 2024, where she was elected to assume office in April 2025.
As Ghana’s current Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ayorkor Botchwey has had a distinguished career in politics and diplomacy. President Akufo-Addo appointed her as Minister of Foreign Affairs on January 10, 2017. Prior to that, she served in Ghana’s Parliament, representing the people of Anyaa-Sowutuom, a constituency in the Greater Accra Region, from January 7, 2013, to January 7, 2021 ¹.
Ayorkor Botchwey’s impressive resume also includes her role as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Information, and Trade and Industry, as well as her membership in the ECOWAS Parliament from 2013 to 2017 ². Her wealth of experience and dedication to public service have undoubtedly prepared her for this prestigious role as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.
3. Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse:
Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse Shatters Glass Ceiling at University of Ghana
Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse made history in 2024 by becoming the first female full professor of physics at the University of Ghana, a milestone achieved in the institution’s 75-year history.
A renowned climate change scientist and current head of the Physics Department, Prof. Browne Klutse has consistently broken barriers throughout her illustrious career. Notably, she became the first female to lead the Physics Department in 2023.
Her impressive list of achievements includes:
– Youngest professor of physics in Ghana
– First Ghanaian elected to the UN IPCC Bureau as Vice-Chair of Working Group 1
– Member of the Task Group on Data Support for Climate Change Assessments (TG-Data)
Prior to her current role, Prof. Browne Klutse worked as remote sensing manager at the GIS and Climate Centre and as a senior research scientist at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
4. Major General Anita Asmah:
Major General Anita Asmah has shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first Ghanaian and African woman to lead a UN force. Her historic appointment as Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in December 2024 marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equality and diversity in global leadership ¹.
With an impressive 31 years of leadership experience in the Ghana Armed Forces and UN peacekeeping, Major General Asmah brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Her previous positions include Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF, Director-General of the Department of Defence Civilian Establishment, and staff officer in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ².
Major General Asmah’s achievements serve as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Her leadership will undoubtedly pave the way for more women to take on command positions and transform the landscape of peacekeeping operations ¹.
5. Paulina Mefia Denteh:
Paulina Mefia Denteh made history in 2024 by becoming the first Ghanaian, African, and female foreigner to receive the prestigious red diploma from Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University in Russia. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the university’s history, showcasing Paulina’s determination, perseverance, and dedication to excellence ¹ ² ³.
Paulina completed her general medicine program at the university, which is known for its strong medical education. Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University has a reputation for academic excellence, with a range of programs, including medicine, humanities, and science ⁴.
In an Instagram post, Paulina expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, “Receiving my red diploma… was a truly humbling experience. I am honoured to be the first female Black student to achieve this milestone.” Paulina’s journey began at the Methodist Senior High School in the Eastern Region, where she demonstrated exceptional academic prowess despite limited science facilities.
Paulina’s achievement serves as an inspiration to women and Africans pursuing careers in medicine and other fields. Her dedication to making an impact in healthcare is a testament to her character and commitment to excellence.
Felicity Asantewaa:
Felicity Asantewaa Makes History: Ghanaian Woman Sets New Guinness World Record
In an impressive display of determination and skill, Felicity Asantewaa achieved the unthinkable in 2024. She shattered the Guinness World Record for most cars washed by an individual in eight hours, successfully washing 60 cars and surpassing the previous record by five cars.
Felicity’s remarkable feat drew large crowds of supporters who cheered her on as she worked tirelessly to break the record. Her achievement was officially recognised by the Guinness World Record website in July 2024, cementing her status as a world record holder.
Felicity’s success is a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she serves as an inspiration to women everywhere.
