The Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reforms and Member of Parliament for Tempane, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, says her journey into politics has been anything but easy, urging young women to prepare for the demands of public life.
Making an appearance Metro TV’s Good Afternoon Ghana on Thursday, April 16, 2026, she rejected the idea that political success comes easily.
“If somebody says we got it on a silver platter, it’s no, no and no,” she said. “It’s not easy to wake up one morning and the party says we want you to represent the party… you have to go around and do stakeholder consultation to be accepted by the people.”
She described her current position as a responsibility that demands humility rather than pride.
“Where I am now is a way of humbling me to serve the people… it’s not about pride. It’s about the people recognising you and giving you that privilege,” she said. “It’s a privilege, not a right.”
As one of the few female MPs from northern Ghana, she noted the challenges women face in entering politics, saying her journey reflects a broader struggle.
“If you look at our terrain… in the five northern regions, we are just three,” she said, adding that young women often look up to her as a reference point because “it has been difficult for women to come into the limelight.”
She encouraged young women who are considering politics to focus on preparation and self-belief.
“I always tell young people that if you want to come into politics, there are key things you should have in mind. You should be determined,” she said.
“Don’t let anybody force you… and you have to also educate yourself, build your capacity so that when the opportunity comes, you can take it.”
Madam Lydia Akanvariba stressed that gender alone does not guarantee opportunities in politics.
“Don’t think that people are just going to say because you’re a woman… so go. No,” she said. “It’s hard work.”
Reflecting on her own experience, she said her background in nursing and public service helped prepare her for leadership, but she still had to study and consult widely after her appointment.
“When the opportunity came, I decided to read,” she said, adding that she engaged former office holders and technical staff to understand the role.
She maintains that beyond appointments, success in politics depends on effort and readiness.
“Don’t let anybody tell you that it’s on a silver platter,” she said. “No. It’s hard work.”
