Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Adenta, Kozie Akosua Manu, has cautioned that women who become visible in Ghana’s political space often face harsh scrutiny that goes beyond their performance and competence.
Speaking on GHToday with Serwaa Amihere on Friday, January 30, 2026, Kozie Manu said female politicians are routinely judged on their appearance, tone, and personal lives rather than the substance of their work.
She referenced recent online criticism directed at a Deputy Transport Minister, noting that much of the backlash focused on how the minister dresses instead of her record in office.
“If she wasn’t visible online, do you think she would be attacked?” Kozie asked, describing public exposure for women in politics as an “extreme sport” driven by engagement, clickbait, and social media traction.
According to her, such attacks contribute to a hostile environment that discourages women from entering politics. She noted that women are often told politics is too “dirty” for them, while others are dismissed as unfit for leadership simply for being “too beautiful.”
Kozie Manu argued that these narratives are damaging to national progress, stressing that women have proven their value when given leadership roles. “We are a developing country,” she said. “We see the impact women make when they are put in positions.”
She called for stronger protections and a cultural shift that allows women to participate fully in politics without being branded as arrogant or rude simply for expressing their views.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/ Barbara Yeboah
