From coastal leadership workshops to the corridors of power, Ghana’s Gender Minister, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has opened up about her unlikely journey into politics, her deep-rooted introversion, and the national controversy surrounding her swearing-in.
In a candid reflection, she credited what she described as divine orchestration – or perhaps a fortunate stumble – as the force behind her entry into public office.
“I didn’t set out to enter politics – it was not something I planned for – I’d say it was either divine orchestration or something I stumbled into. I grew up being more of an introvert, so politics was not a thing that I was looking forward to”
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister For Gender, Children and Social Protection
Explaining that she never envisioned herself as a politician, Dr. Naa Momo Lartey revealed that her friends from the past are often surprised to see her in political life, stressing that they would have never associated her with the field.
She traced her unexpected journey back to her church and community work, especially her involvement with the Assemblies of God Church and her subsequent role in civil society. Working with fishmongers along Ghana’s coasts proved pivotal.
According to her, she was training women in leadership when the conversation shifted. What began as a leadership training session ended with a strong community demand that she consider public office. “They virtually pushed me into politics.”
“They said, ‘Oh, you know, you’ve been teaching us that we can start from the local government level and there’s this opportunity, and so we want you to go so that we know that it’s doable,’”
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister For Gender, Children and Social Protection
Although hesitant, Dr. Lartey accepted the challenge to contest for the position of municipal chief executive. Despite having engaged in limited partisan activity, she was encouraged by the immense support of the community.
“The setback I had was that I wasn’t partisan enough,” she said, revealing that the panel eventually passed her over due to her insufficient political visibility at the time.
“I had been serving or doing one or two things for the party here and there but I wasn’t at the forefront.
“And, at the time the panel felt that they needed – and I think it’s very important because of the number of people you have to deal with – they needed somebody who understood these structures at the local level, how to work with the people, and all the challenges that comes with it”
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister For Gender, Children and Social Protection
Nonetheless, she bore no resentment. “I didn’t feel bad, I took it in good faith and they realized I had pushed enough,” she said, highlighting that her continued dedication led to her eventual nomination as a government appointee.
That opportunity opened the door for her to contest for presiding member, a race she won “by God’s grace,”. That was when her “political journey began.”
Swearing-In Ceremony Controversy
Dr. Lartey also addressed her delayed arrival at her ministerial swearing-in, a moment that drew national attention and scrutiny. She admitted the incident took a heavy emotional toll.
“Being late for my swearing-in took a toll on me. Like I said, I have been an introvert, but for politics and so and I’m also very sensitive. I’m not the type that will intentionally go and do something that will call for unnecessary attention”
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister For Gender, Children and Social Protection
She acknowledged the impact of the incident beyond her sensitive disposition, to her discomfort with public controversy. “If I sat somewhere and said it didn’t [affect me], I would be lying. It did. I was worried. I was very worried, especially because of the people who knew me,” she noted.
“I kept asking myself, what could I have done to have saved the situation? But if I had the opportunity to explain myself, I wouldn’t. I don’t even want to because for me, I don’t like too many excuses and I believe that if you couldn’t do it, you couldn’t do it”
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister For Gender, Children and Social Protection
Despite her introspection, Dr. Lartey maintained that offering explanations would have been unhelpful as sometimes the more one tries to explain themselves, the more trouble they invite.
She was content with the presidential spokesperson addressing the nation on her behalf over the incident, and highlighted her belief in simply doing better next time rather than resorting to excuses that only do further harm.
“I’ve never stopped appreciating His Excellency for the opportunity he gave me. Let me say a big thank you to him,” she declared, emphasizing her gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his measured handling of the situation and for giving her a “another chance.”
For Dr. Lartey, her appointment was not just a political milestone, but also a personal transformation, marking a journey from introversion and reluctant activism to becoming a face of gender advocacy in Ghana’s current government.
Her story underscores the intersection of faith, service, and circumstance in shaping political leadership – where a quiet life of charitable work and spiritual commitment can, when steered by community trust, become the foundation for national service.
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