Market women in Agotime-Kpetoe, in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the party’s failure to appoint a woman, Madam Vicentia Sename Leyo, as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area.

The women believe this decision is a missed opportunity for inclusive governance, gender equity, and the empowerment of women in the district.

They stated that women in Agotime have played significant roles in the district’s development, contributing through agriculture, trade, education, and community service. However, they feel continuously sidelined in leadership and decision-making positions.

They had hoped the NDC’s recent appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) would reflect a commitment to gender inclusivity.

During a press conference at the Agotime-Kpetoe Market on March 31, 2025, the women argued that appointing Madam Vicentia Sename Leyo would have been a strong signal of the government’s commitment to gender equality.

They described her as vibrant, well-educated, industrious, and hardworking, with a track record of dedication during the last elections.

They pointed to the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, which highlighted gender, social protection, and inclusion, and called on the government to implement key policies, including a 30% quota for women in political appointments, the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank, a “Women in Agriculture” initiative, and the resumption of the Market Enhancement Programme to improve facilities such as Kpetoe Market.

The women insisted that a female DCE would have championed issues affecting the marginalized, including inadequate healthcare, poor road infrastructure, lack of access to quality education, water crises, and economic empowerment for women.

They lamented that their voices had once again been ignored, deepening their sense of exclusion in governance.

Moving forward, the women announced plans to engage in community dialogues, advocacy campaigns, and petitions to push for increased female representation in leadership.

They urged President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the appointment process and ensure competent women like Madam Sename were given opportunities to serve in key positions.

In case she is not appointed DCE, they appealed to the President to offer her a role in another institution where she could continue advocating for women’s empowerment.