Its been over six decades since the establishment of the University of Ghana Political Science Department and its affiliate Political Science Students Association (POSSA) and like any other university student body, its been led by elected men or women who have proven to be up to the task of steering the affairs of the association. But the Political Science Students Association, which is the largest association on the University of Ghana campus, has proven to be different. Although being dominated by a large number of women, the association has never been led by a woman.
But history was rewritten when a young and determined lady decided to contest in the 2024 POSSA Presidential elections and with hard work, perseverance and determination, she sailed through and emerged victorious even though the odds were stacked against her.
Josephine Nti is a Level 300 student of the University of Ghana, studying Political Science and Theatre Arts. She hails from Assin Bereku and Keta, both very notable towns in the Central Region and Volta Region of Ghana respectively. Josephine had her secondary education at the Assin State College where she started gaining interest in politics from the study of Government and upon the advice of her Government tutor, she decided to pursue a degree in Political Science at the Premier University.
Josephine claimed that her decision to contest in the 2024 POSSA Presidential election stemmed out of two reasons which she identified as the “what and who” factors. The stated that the “what” factor is her zeal and love to lead and serve people around her. “I do not want to be in a surrounding where I cannot extend my helping hand to those around me. I always make sure that I am part of the people giving our information, help and any form of assistance be it academically or environmentally”, she stated. She claimed that she loves to be at the helping end and not at the receiving end.
The “Who” factor, she said, “emanated from when I came into the University of Ghana and almost knowing nobody, I saw a very distinguished woman, who charted a path and made history for herself and is still impacting more into the lives of young ladies like myself”. She identified this woman as the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, who also doubles as the first female Vice Chancellor. This milestone, she claimed, amazed her so much that it whetted her appetite to achieve something similar and great. “ I was left in thought throughout the day as to the ever-widening and unending opportunities for women when they set their minds to it”.
Challenges Faced As A Woman In The Field Of Politics
Josephing Nti, claimed that as a woman in the field of politics, one major challenge she faced was having to prove to people that as a woman you can also do exploits and get the work done. “It’s one thing if you’re a guy, You’re a man so automatically you are seen as someone who can do exploits but as a woman, you need to work twice as hard and make people know that even though you are a lady, you can still work hard”, she said.
Another challenge she claimed to have faced is clearing stereotypes and misconceptions that ladies have to work as just secretaries and treasures at the department but they cannot occupy the seat as Presidents.
Overcoming Challenges
One way she claimed to have overcome challenges is working extremely hard and making sure she knew her way around the things that matter to her people. She also claimed to have tried very hard to be confident about her abilities. “I remember I used to sit long hours with people and make them believe that she is the best choice out there.
Campaign Strategy
“During my elections and throughout the campaign, it was all built on the back of SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE in whatever possible way. It covered their academic needs to being there personally for them and giving them a listening ear. I think that was my campaign platform”, she stated. She also said she had provided her people with the needed qualities they wanted from a leader.
Josephine Nti narrated that she was so nervous when the election was about to end that when she was finally declared victorious all she could think of and say was that, “I am the people’s choice”.
Leadership Style
Josephine Nti believes in the concept of inclusivity and providing a listening ear to the people. She believes in building a leadership environment where everyone feels involved and empowered to contribute their quota to make the association work. She also holds a strong belief in transparency and giving the people a receptive platform.
Goals and Objectives for the Association
Based on the current problems faced by members of the Political Science Students Association of the University of Ghana, she has proposed seven areas she plans to work towards in order to effect change in the Association and she listed some of these policies as the introduction of a scholarship scheme for members of the association, incorporating special needs students into the decision making machinery of the association, empower members of the association by educating them in digital and handmade skills, organizing a health fair, etc.
Plans After Graduation
Josephine Nti plans to further her education after her first degree. She also plans to start a mental health awareness centre and a foundation to empower women. “There are so many thoughts I’m yet to wrap my mind around but then again I still have time to think about it so no rushed thoughts”, she said.
Josephine Nti hopes and believes that she will leave a mark and set a high standard that will be a remarkable footprint for subsequent leaders of the association and empower them and inspire some level of motivation in them. She claims that this can only happen through relentless hard work and dedication.
Josephine Nti plans to build a strong and lasting legacy for the association and herself by making sure that every single set objective is accomplished. She also plans to do that by empowering members of the Political Science Association and beyond to be great.
“I want to leave a very remarkable leadership standard that people will get inspired to do more and be more for themselves”, she added.
With gender roles gradually fading away, and with the world’s step by step approach to improving and giving women the chance to lead and make great strides in our world getting better, young ladies all over the world are also gearing up to pick up the mantle of leadership and show the world that women can also be at the helm of affairs, and Josephine Nti is one of the few faces getting ready to lead the charge.