Five remarkable Ghanaian women have made history by securing prominent appointments on the global stage in 2025.

Their achievements have been widely celebrated in Ghana and are seen as a source of inspiration for young women, both in Ghana and around the world.

COP Lydia Yaako Donkor becomes first Ghanaian woman elected to INTERPOL Africa Committee

This article highlights these women who have made historic strides for the country

Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, achieved another historic feat by becoming the first female Ghanaian Vice President to address the African Union (AU).

She mounted the stage at the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit, held in Ethiopia to deliver remarks on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and AU Champions for Reparations.

The Vice President in her address raised key points including a call to nations to join efforts to make reparations a global reality through diplomacy, legal frameworks, funding mechanisms, and moral responsibility.

Lydia Yaako Donkor

Commissioner of Police (COP) Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, also made history as the first Ghanaian and the only woman elected to serve on the newly established INTERPOL Africa Committee.

Her election will see her serve a four-year term on the Committee which is tasked with enhancing law enforcement cooperation across the continent.

The Committee’s responsibilities include identifying strategic priorities in the fight against crime, recommending action to the African Regional Conference, and advising on issues of criminality and police cooperation within the region.

Dr Delese Mimi Darko

The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) got appointed as the first Director-General of African Medicines Agency (AMA) of the African Union (AU).

The African Medicines Agency (AMA) is a specialised agency of the African Union (AU) established to improve equitable access to quality, safe, and effective medical products in Africa.

Ghana won the bid after beating countries like Morocco among 100 other member FDAs that aimed to lead the move.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, became the first woman from Africa to hold the office of the Secretary-General of Commonwealth.

As the 7th Secretary-General, she assumed office on April 1, 2025, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in diplomacy, international relations, governance, and public service to the position.

Prof Naana Jane becomes first female Ghanaian vice president to address AU

Esther Cobbah

Esther Ambah Numaba Cobbah, Founder and Chief Executive of Strategic Communications Africa Ltd (Stratcomm Africa), and the President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, has been appointed as the next President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) — a historic appointment which happens to the be the first for Africa.

According to a report by adomonline.com on Monday, September 8, 2025, her appointment makes her the first African to lead the 70-year-old global public relations body, headquartered in London.

MAG/VPO

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