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Ghana's Media Faces Gender Equality Challenge

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 8:06 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Accra, Ghana - February 24th, 2026 - Akushika Acquaye, a prominent media advocate, continues to champion a critical shift within the Ghanaian media landscape - moving beyond simply representing women to actively and consciously promoting gender equality through nuanced and accurate portrayals. Speaking originally at a mentorship program in May 2023, and revisiting the theme in recent interviews, Acquaye's message resonates powerfully today as the industry grapples with ongoing challenges to achieve true inclusivity.

At the core of Acquaye's call to action is a demand for deliberate effort. She argues that simply increasing the number of women in media roles isn't enough. The content they produce, and the way women are presented within that content, must actively dismantle deeply ingrained stereotypes. This isn't merely a matter of avoiding overtly sexist coverage, but about a fundamental re-evaluation of how stories are framed and which narratives are prioritized.

The original mentorship program, organized by African Women in Media (AWiM) Ghana, aimed to equip female journalists with the skills needed to thrive in what remains a challenging profession. But Acquaye stresses that skills training is only one piece of the puzzle. "Technical proficiency is vital," she explained in a recent panel discussion, "but it's useless if we're not using those skills to challenge the status quo and ensure women's voices are heard authentically."

Acquaye points to the pervasive tendency to focus on women's appearance or personal lives, rather than their professional accomplishments, as a key area for improvement. She notes that even seemingly positive coverage can be subtly damaging if it reinforces limiting expectations. For instance, portraying a female politician solely through the lens of her family life, while a male counterpart is discussed primarily based on their policy positions, perpetuates the idea that women's value lies outside of their professional capabilities.

The impact of media portrayals extends far beyond the news cycle. Acquaye highlights research demonstrating a strong correlation between media representation and societal perceptions. Negative or limited portrayals can contribute to biases in hiring, education, and even political participation. Conversely, showcasing women in diverse leadership roles and celebrating their achievements provides powerful role models and challenges preconceived notions. AWiM Ghana's ongoing work has demonstrated a clear link between increased positive representation and a measurable increase in female leadership applications across various sectors.

"We, as media professionals, have an immense influence on how society views women," Acquaye stated. "That influence comes with a responsibility to be mindful of the language we use, the images we present, and the stories we choose to tell. We need to actively seek out and amplify the voices of women from all walks of life, particularly those who are traditionally marginalized." This includes not only highlighting successful women but also giving space to diverse perspectives and experiences, acknowledging the complexities of womanhood, and avoiding the trap of portraying women as a monolithic group.

The call for more accurate representation also extends to the internal workings of media organizations. While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions within many newsrooms, limiting their ability to shape editorial decisions and influence coverage. Acquaye advocates for robust mentorship programs, like the one initially hosted by AWiM Ghana, and for creating inclusive work environments where women feel supported and empowered to advance their careers.

Looking ahead, Acquaye envisions a media landscape where gender equality is not just a buzzword, but a deeply ingrained principle. She hopes to see media organizations adopting clear guidelines on gender-sensitive reporting, investing in training for all journalists, and actively monitoring their coverage to identify and address biases. The goal, she insists, is not simply to "fix" the image of women in the media, but to fundamentally reshape the narrative and create a more equitable and just society for all.

The work of AWiM Ghana, and advocates like Akushika Acquaye, are vital steps toward achieving this vision. The challenge now lies in translating awareness into concrete action and ensuring that the media truly reflects the diversity and complexity of the world we live in.