Across the globe, women are gaining more grounds in leadership and wielding power that influences and shapes various sectors of a nation’s economy.
Although men still dominate the leadership and decision-making landscape, the number of women in leadership roles is rising in the corporate environment, education, parliament, the security forces among others. Women who particularly hold public and political positions are often subject to ridicule, sexism, and prejudice. They are thus less seen in key sectors with the most power and influence. A woman, however, without fear of criticism and prejudice boldly embraces an all-important position in our nation today. Meet Jean Adukwei Mensa, a Ghanaian lawyer and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.
Early years
Jean Adukwei Mensa received her secondary education at Saint Mary’s Senior High School and in 1993, she received her first degree from the Faculty of Law from the University of Ghana, Legon. She was called to the Bar in 1996. In 2018, Jean Mensa also received her executive education from Harvard School of Business.
Career
Between 1995-1997 Jean Mensa worked at Amarkai Amarteifio Chambers and as a Junior lawyer at BJ Da Rocha Chambers in 1998.
In 2000, Jean Mensa joined the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) where she rose to become the Executive Director nine years later. As fate would have it, she would later step down from that position to take up the crucial role as the EC chair.
After an 18-year career at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Jean Adukwei Mensa was appointed as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana on 23 July 2018, after her predecessor, Charlotte Osei was taken out from office by Akufo Addo based on “misbehaviour and incompetence.”
Jean Mensa’s thirst to strengthen Ghana’s democracy and promote strong institutions made her a leader in policy research and advocacy hence, her involvement in the development of various policies.
In 2012, she was involved in the Presidential Transition Act, the Revised 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Political Parties Funding Bill, and the Revised Political Parties Bill.
Awards
In 2013, Jean Mensa won the Excellent Leadership Award by the EXLA Group. In 2014, she won the Young Professional Role Model in Governance Award which was presented by the Young Professionals and Youth Coalition Initiative.
In 2017, Jean Mensa was ranked by the African Network of Entrepreneurs (TANOE) as one of the Top 60 outstanding, inspiring, and hardworking corporate women leaders in Ghana.
It is worth mentioning that Jean Mensa is married to Dr. Charles Mensa and is blessed with three children which she has managed to keep away from the prying eyes of the media and the general public.
