The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Ghana has commended President John Dramani Mahama for appointing two accomplished women to the Governing Board of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), a move hailed as a major step forward for gender inclusion in the country’s maritime sector.

In a statement, WISTA Ghana expressed deep appreciation for what it described as a “bold and visionary” act by the President in naming Madam Jemilat Jawulaa Mahamah as the new Board Chairperson of the Ghana Maritime Authority, the first woman ever to occupy the position.

“This is a proud moment not only for WISTA Ghana but for the entire maritime industry,” said WISTA Ghana President [Name Placeholder]. “Madam Mahamah’s appointment is a powerful symbol of progress and a testament to her exemplary career in a male-dominated field.”

Madam Mahamah is currently the General Secretary of WISTA International and a former President of WISTA Ghana. She also serves as Vice President of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, bringing over two decades of experience and leadership in the maritime industry to her new role.

“Her competence, resilience, and strategic insight have been instrumental in breaking long-standing barriers,” the statement noted.

WISTA Ghana also celebrated the appointment of Madam Esther Gyebi Donkor as a Board Member of the GMA. A founding member of WISTA Ghana, Madam Donkor served with distinction at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) for more than 30 years, rising to the position of Deputy Director General of Operations before retiring in 2024.

She is widely respected across West and Central Africa for her leadership in maritime networks, including the Women’s Network of the Port Sector of West and Central Africa and the Port Ladies Association.

“Madam Donkor’s appointment affirms the value of deep institutional knowledge and regional leadership,” WISTA Ghana stated.

The association highlighted the appointments as a reflection of late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s timeless words: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

“Their collective achievements transcend borders and serve as a beacon of hope for young women seeking to make their mark in the maritime world,” WISTA added.

WISTA Ghana concluded by expressing confidence that the leadership of Madam Mahamah and Madam Donkor will bring “strategic vision, innovation, and a renewed focus on inclusivity” to the work of the Ghana Maritime Authority.