In this article, I’ll tell you a little about myself. My name is Linda Ackah-Mensah.
My life goals were simple: to be content and to be surrounded by the people I loved. The life my father planned for me as a secretary has had its ups and downs, and I cannot really blame him for wanting something better for his child.
Originally from the middle portion of the country, Mankessim is where I completed all four of my academic degrees.
As a student, every time I heard about the accomplishments of former students of Mfantsiman Girls High School during prize-giving ceremonies, I was captivated and inspired. I wanted to be like them, I wanted to impact as many lives as they had.
I aspired to be a leader, a scriptwriter, an actor, and a public speaker, and these pursuits piqued my attention. They made me want to be a better person for the world around me. I think people are an audience that I have to serve and impress, an audience I have to prove a lot to.
Serving as library prefect, president of Camfed and organisational secretary for my religion were just some of the positions I held as a result of my growing interest in leadership. During all these times, I learnt how to put people first, to be the people’s leader. I learnt what we meant by leadership of the people, by the people and for the people.
Now, I’m an appointed member of the UG Parliament House’s privileges committee, the Deputy Women’s Commissioner for UG’s largest department, Political Science Student Association (POSSA),a Scholar of the MasterCard Foundation and The John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation. I have learnt a different form of leadership in the university. I learnt to listen to the plights and join a war of my people, by my people and for my people.
I believe the youth, both men and women alike need to stand up for our rights. We need to fight for land our forefathers fought for us. We need to be heard and with the right voice and channel, we will be.
I decided to run for the presidency of the University of Ghana Student’s Representative Council because I realized how much we could accomplish together if we gave each other a chance.
The fact that I’m a woman in a male-dominated society has made it evident that I must work hard to catch up or compete at the same level as men. However, knowing I’m in a community of educated people you make choices on merit and not gender, gives me the confidence to do this. You give me the confidence to do this so before anything else, thank you.
I can’t deny how difficult it was for me since I was a girl. Overall, though, it’s strengthened my resolve and convinced me that I’m the ideal person to manage this portfolio.
Dear brothers and sisters, the road ahead is often difficult, but I have big goals and dreams for all of us. You all play a crucial role in my journey because you give me the chance to fulfil my potential and to serve as I have been served.
The university of Ghana is great and it can be greater. Together we can make that a reality. Every leadership position I have occupied so far has shown me how to best listen and serve the people.
She who wants to be queen must first learn to serve.
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