Through a series of training held by the National Association of Local Government Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Partnership for Municipal Innovation-Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) Project to enhance women’s capacity to contest in elections, Hon. Philomina gained transformative skills, confidence and courage that empowered her to excel in the political sphere and tackle challenges head-on.
Despite facing intense opposition from her party's leadership, influential lawmakers, and high-ranking officials that saw her removed as an incumbent candidate for a preferred male candidate, Hon. Philomina refused to give up, then defied party conventions and opted to run as an independent candidate, saying "I didn't give up and decided to go for the elections."
Her courageous decision to walk her own path paid off as she triumphed over adversity and secured a win. The media exposure she later gained, further boosted her confidence and prepared her for the demands of leadership. She is now more determined than ever to serve her community, amplify the voices of the vulnerable and marginalized, and champion their causes.
"The training has helped me in various ways such as raising funds and campaigning by myself. It taught me to be confident and bold. If not for the training, I wouldn’t have won this election because the opposition party was strong but I conquered."
The 2023 local government election in Ghana witnessed an increase from 3.8% to 4.1% of women elected officials and the number of appointed women assembly members also rose due in part to the efforts of the NALAG and FCM to support to women in local politics.
Hon. Philomina's story is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a refusal to accept the status quo. Her victory is a testament to the impact of women's empowerment programs and a reminder that, with the right support and training, women can overcome even the most daunting challenges and achieve greatness.