The Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Jocelyn Tetteh, has shared her views on how the Affirmative Action Bill empowers women parliamentarians, stressing their readiness to serve in President Mahama's government if given the opportunity.

She highlighted the preparedness of women to serve, acknowledging that the challenges they face in securing election positions shape them to embrace any opportunity that arises once in government.

In an exclusive interview with Happy 98.9 FM on Monday, 20 January 2025, the North Dayi MP recalled her decision to enter parliament at the age of 28, stating, "I don't think there is any task ahead of me that I wouldn't be able to meet." She emphasised her willingness to serve in any capacity that President Mahama deems appropriate.

When asked about the number of women appointed thus far, Madam Tetteh praised President Mahama for his progress in this area. She said, "We’re looking at 30% or more. He's done quite well, and we expect he will appoint 30% more."

The MP added that such appointments encourage more women to take up leadership roles, citing the current first female Vice President as an inspiration for other women aspiring to reach the highest levels of their careers.

She stated that if the President continues on the current trajectory, "by 2028, women can achieve whatever they wish for themselves."

Madam Tetteh also discussed the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary majority, revealing that there are now 32 female MPs. She considered this a significant step forward, noting, "They fought the battle, won, and are in Parliament; that is very refreshing."

Reflecting on her own experience, Madam Tetteh acknowledged that North Dayi is generally considered a safe seat for the NDC, but she disagreed with the notion that she faced fewer challenges than other women.

She explained that, despite the constituency's general political leanings, personal attacks, opposition to female representation, and a lack of support at times made her journey daunting.

"You only have to encourage yourself, because no one pushed you here," she said, adding, "Once you decide to be part of a refuse dump, you cannot prevent the vulture from making a feast out of you. So you accept whatever comes out of the challenge."

Now in her third term, Madam Tetteh shared the difficulties she faced during her previous attempts to win the seat.

She won her first contest against two opponents, and her second contest, where her detractors brought another woman to challenge her, she won again.

Her third attempt, particularly at the primaries, was the most difficult, facing four other women and a man. She expressed pride in her role in opening doors for more women to contest and stated, "I don't do anything to jeopardise the chances of other females."

Turning to the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy introduced by the New Patriotic Party, Madam Tetteh described it as a flawed policy.

She acknowledged that while it had benefitted many, there were still issues with fee payments, including PTA dues. "I have three Senior High Schools in my constituency, and I know what I'm talking about if I say the policy wasn’t entirely free," she said.

She added that she had to buy mattresses, school bags, and even "chalewate" for some students to attend school. "Second-cycle schools are supposed to be free, yet the prospectus students take to school costs ¢6,000. How free is the Senior High School policy?" she queried, pointing out that many women in her constituency would struggle to afford such amounts for their children.

On the Affirmative Action Bill passed by the eighth Parliament, Madam Tetteh praised the legislation as a significant step forward for women.

She said, "When we're called to the table, it won't just be to add to numbers, but we will form an integral part of decision-making as the law establishes. It’s encouraging and gives us hope for the future."