In a move that has been widely applauded across the Upper West Region, President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Madam Soyelleh Cecilia as the new Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Lawra Municipal Assembly.
The nomination, described by many as timely and well-deserved, is seen as a fulfilment of President Mahama’s promise to allocate 30 per cent of appointments to women in his administration, a commitment aimed at strengthening gender inclusion and women’s participation in governance.
Until Madam Soyelleh’s nomination, the Upper West Region, which comprises 11 districts, had just one woman, Madam Mary Haruna, the DCE for Nadowli-Kaleo District among the men appointed to lead the region’s MMDAs. Her nomination, therefore, represents a bold and progressive step toward empowering women to contribute meaningfully to local governance and national development.
A proud daughter of Babile and native of Kunyukuon, Madam Soyelleh Cecilia brings to her new role a rich background in education, administration, and community development. She currently serves at the Wa Technical Institute, where she has distinguished herself as a hardworking, disciplined, and goal-oriented administrator.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social, Political and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies (UDS) and is currently pursuing an MPhil in Development Studies at the same institution. Her teaching career began at the Islamic Senior High School, where she served as a classroom teacher, Form Mistress, and later House Mistress before rising through the Ghana Education Service ranks to Assistant Director I.
Madam Soyelleh’s experience extends beyond the classroom. She has played active leadership roles in youth development and local politics over the years. She once served as Minority Leader of the UDS Student Parliament, Vice President of the Babile Area Youth Association (BAYA), and Regional Communication Team Treasurer for the Upper West Region. As a research assistant with PRONET North in Wa, she worked on socio-demographic data collection for CHPS compounds and community-based health projects across the region. Her strong community ties and ability to mobilise people have earned her a reputation as a unifier, team builder, and result-driven mobilizer.
Her passion for grassroots empowerment, particularly among women and children, aligns perfectly with President Mahama’s agenda of inclusive governance and participatory development. Her appointment comes after the unfortunate and sudden passing of the late MCE, Alhaji Muazu Adams, whose death occurred shortly after assuming office. Her nomination is not only seen as a healing moment for the municipality but also as an opportunity to continue his legacy and ensure the completion of the projects and initiatives he began for the people of Lawra.
Residents, opinion leaders, and political watchers have commended President Mahama for the nomination, describing it as “an inspiring and strategic decision” that will drive progress and gender balance in the region. They are appealing to assembly members, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders in the Lawra Municipality to unite behind Madam Soyelleh Cecilia and give her the needed confirmation to lead. With her proven record of service, leadership, and compassion, many believe she has what it takes to continue the developmental agenda of the late MCE and work closely with the community to accelerate growth.
Madam Soyelleh Cecilia’s nomination is more than a personal milestone, it is a reflection of the President’s vision for a government that values competence, inclusivity, and the active participation of women in nation-building. Her story is one of dedication, experience, and purpose, and her nomination serves as an inspiration to young women across Ghana that leadership is not a privilege for a few but a calling for all who are ready to serve with integrity and passion.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!