Hajia Hawa Tahiru, the Volta Regional Coordinator of the Zongo Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is seeking a third term in office, citing her record in community mobilisation, conflict resolution and educational support for residents of Zongo communities.

Hajia Tahiru, who is seeking re-election after serving two terms, said her contributions to the party and Zongo communities across the region justified her bid for another mandate. She maintained that her work had extended beyond Zongo communities to other parts of the Volta Region, earning her recognition among traditional leaders and party members.

“I should be retained and maintained because I have worked,” she said, adding that she had helped mobilise Zongo residents to support the NDC and contribute to the party’s return to power.

According to her, Zongo communities played a significant role in the party’s electoral fortunes in the region, and she remained committed to attracting more people to the party if re-elected.

Hajia Tahiru also highlighted conflict resolution as one of her achievements, explaining that she had helped address disputes in some Zongo communities to promote peace and unity.

She said she had mobilised mosques in about six constituencies and supported the education of young people, particularly girls, to improve their future prospects.

She indicated that some of the girls she had supported had become nurses, while she had also helped secure about 30 scholarships for beneficiaries.

Hajia Tahiru said the support she had received from traditional leaders and Imams across the region had encouraged her to seek another term. She expressed confidence that delegates were familiar with her work and appealed to them to renew her mandate.

She said chiefs and Imams in Zongo communities had urged her to continue, citing her contributions to their communities, including during the period when the NDC was in opposition.

Beyond party organisation and community development, Hajia Tahiru said she had made it a priority to challenge perceptions that Muslim women could not succeed in politics.

She recalled that four men contested against her during her first term, with some arguing that Muslim women could not advance far in politics. She said she defeated them and faced a similar situation during her second term, when three men contested the position.

According to her, she wants to use her political journey to encourage more Muslim women, particularly young girls, to participate actively in politics and leadership.

“I am encouraging my Muslim ladies, especially the girl child, not to be ashamed of politics,” she said, adding that she takes young women along during her engagements to inspire them and build a legacy of female participation in public life.

Hajia Tahiru maintained that women should not be discouraged from seeking leadership positions because of their religious or cultural backgrounds.

She said her bid to continue in office was not only about retaining her position but also about expanding her community engagement and encouraging more women to participate in political activities.

As the contest for the Volta Regional Zongo Caucus Coordinator position approaches, she is urging delegates to consider her record and give her another opportunity to continue the work she says she has begun.