President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence that Ghana will soon elect a woman as president, describing it as a natural progression in the country’s growing commitment to gender equality.

Speaking at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Mahama said Ghana’s strides in promoting women’s leadership make the prospect increasingly likely.

“I’m confident that sooner rather than later, a woman will occupy the highest office of President in Ghana,” he stated.

The president made the remarks while urging African leaders to place gender equality at the heart of economic planning and governance.

“Gender equality is not peripheral to Africa’s development. It is fundamental to our economic transformation, our social resilience, and sustainable growth,” he said, adding that Africa cannot achieve its full potential while leaving women behind.

He also called for stronger implementation of continental frameworks, including the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, and urged member states to prioritise gender-responsive budgeting.

President Mahama stressed that the real measure of commitment would not be speeches, but “tomorrow’s budgets, laws, and protections for women and girls.”