Open Letter to H.E. John Dramani Mahama: Reconsider the Political Resuscitation of Hon. Victoria Hammah

Dear President Mahama,

I write to you as a concerned citizen and advocate for political fairness and gender equity in Ghana. The Ghanaian political landscape, as you are well aware, remains fraught with challenges for women seeking to serve their nation at the highest levels. Recent history has shown that, too often, women in politics are subjected to harsher scrutiny and swifter punishment for perceived failings than their male counterparts. It is in this context that I urge you to reconsider and champion the political rehabilitation of Hon. Victoria Hammah.

Hon. Victoria Hammah, a young and dynamic politician, was summarily dismissed from her position as Deputy Minister for Communications in 2013 after a leaked audio recording surfaced. In that private conversation, she expressed a personal ambition her wish to accumulate one million dollars as a milestone of success in politics. While her words became the subject of intense public debate, there was no evidence of actual corruption or wrongdoing on her part. Nevertheless, she was swiftly relieved of her post, and her political career was effectively ended.

Contrast this with the fates of numerous male politicians in Ghana’s recent history. Many have faced serious allegations sometimes with direct and credible evidence of corruption, misappropriation, and abuse of office. Yet, these men were often shielded by the system, given opportunities for redemption, or quietly reassigned to other influential roles. The double standard is as glaring as it is unjust.

The cases of male politicians who have faced accusations, sometimes even backed by media exposés and investigative reports, but who continue to serve or are allowed to return to public service, are well known. In such instances, the political machinery closes ranks to protect its own, provided they are men. But when a woman falters, even in the absence of concrete evidence of wrongdoing, the system is quick to sacrifice her ostensibly to “set an example.”

This pattern does not go unnoticed. It discourages young women from entering politics and reinforces the perception that the political arena is hostile to female ambition. It is neither fair nor in the best interest of our democracy to perpetuate such imbalances.

Hon. Victoria Hammah deserves another chance. She has paid a steep price for a private conversation that, at worst, reflected personal ambition rather than any act of corruption. Her dismissal sent a chilling message to women in public service: that their mistakes real or perceived—will not be forgiven or forgotten.

Mr. President, I urge you to demonstrate the same magnanimity and commitment to gender equity that you have often espoused. By supporting the political revival of Hon. Victoria Hammah, you will not only correct a historical injustice but also send a strong signal that Ghana values the contributions of women and believes in second chances for all its citizens—regardless of gender.

Let us move beyond the double standards. Let us build a Ghana where ambition is not a crime and where redemption is possible for everyone. Hon. Victoria Hammah’s experience should not be the end of her political journey, but a stepping stone to greater service.

Yours sincerely,

Yaa Boatemaa

USA