A rare interview from 1957 has resurfaced online, shedding light on the influential role Ghanaian women played in society decades ago and challenging long-held perceptions about women’s place in traditional Ghanaian culture.

The video, which captured a detailed discussion on the status and influence of women in the then Gold Coast, has reignited conversations about gender equality and the historical contributions of Ghanaian women to national development.

The interview also echoed the famous statement by renowned educationist James Kwegyir Aggrey that, “When you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.”

In recent years, Ghanaian women have increasingly excelled in professions and leadership positions traditionally dominated by men. However, the resurfaced footage suggests that women’s influence in Ghanaian society dates back much further than many assume.

Beyond modern conversations on gender equality, the interview highlighted the traditional role of women as key figures in determining family lineage under Ghana’s matrilineal inheritance system.

The footage also touched on the significant roles women played in governance, politics, entrepreneurship, and positions of authority within society.

In the interview, a woman identified as Gloria Addai described the strong position women occupied in the Gold Coast during that era.

In the video shared on TikTok and sighted by GhanaWeb, Addai stated that women at the time did not have to struggle for equality because they already enjoyed equal rights both legally and traditionally.

“We haven’t had to struggle for equality here. We have had it so far as I have been here, both traditionally and legally. Legally, we have had the votes same time as the men had it. We have equal pay for equal work,” she stated.

She further explained that women were not entirely subordinate to men in traditional Ghanaian society due to the influence of the matrilineal inheritance system.

“In traditional life, too, women are not entirely subservient to men. In fact, the system of inheritance, which is through the mother, gives women a lot of property, and that gives them a lot of influence in traditional life,” she added.

Addai also highlighted the remarkable business acumen of Ghanaian market women, noting that many controlled significant portions of the country’s retail trade despite lacking formal education.

The resurfaced interview has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many social media users praising the historical recognition of women’s contributions to Ghanaian society and governance.

Watch video below

@elorm_alek Before the conversation was trendy, Ms. Gloria Addai on women in Ghana. 1957 🇬🇭 #fyp #tiktokghana🇬🇭 #historytime #viralvideo #africantiktok ♬ original sound - Ɛlorm