Leadership often comes in unexpected forms. For some, it begins in the boardroom. For others, it starts in a classroom or a community. For Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak, Hadeen, the journey to leadership began in a hospital ward and eventually led her to one of the most respected traditional roles in Ghana the Paramount Queen Mother of the Sing Traditional Area in the Upper West Region.
Her story is one of service, humility, culture, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of her people.
A Life Dedicated to Caring for Others
Long before she was installed as Paramount Queen Mother, Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak had already built a career dedicated to saving lives.
A professional nurse with nearly two decades of experience, she serves as a critical care nurse, caring for patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
That passion for service did not stop at the hospital.
She extended her commitment to healthcare into communities across the Upper West Region, organising free medical outreach programmes that screened thousands of people for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. By promoting early diagnosis and educating residents about healthy living, she helped improve access to preventive healthcare for many who had never received a medical check-up.
A Platform That Amplified Her Voice
Another defining chapter in her journey came when she represented the Upper West Region in the Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant on TV3.
Although she did not win the competition, she emerged as one of the standout finalists. Her confidence, cultural knowledge, and commitment to her region earned widespread admiration.
“Many people believed I had won because of the impact I made,” she reflected during her interview with Just4WomenAfrica.
The pageant gave her a national platform, allowing her to showcase not only the rich culture of the Upper West Region but also her passion for community development.
A Natural Choice for Queen Mother
Coming from a royal family, Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak was already deeply connected to the traditions of her people.
By the time the opportunity arose in 2015 for her to become Queen Mother, her years of community service, healthcare advocacy, cultural representation, and royal heritage had already earned the trust and confidence of her community.
“There were no questions asked,” she recalled. “Everybody gave the thumbs up.”
This year marks a decade since her installation as Paramount Queen Mother—a milestone she describes with gratitude and humility.
Leadership Through Humility
For many people, traditional leadership may appear to be about status or authority.
For Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak, it is quite the opposite.
She believes being a Queen Mother is first and foremost an act of service.
“It is a sacrifice and a noble calling,” she explained. “Being a Queen Mother is all about humility and being ready to serve.”
Her understanding of leadership reflects a philosophy that places people before position.
Giving Women and Children a Voice
One of the most important responsibilities of a Queen Mother is representing women and children within the traditional system.
Pognaa Salma sees herself as both an advocate and a listening ear.
She works to understand the challenges women face, identify opportunities to empower them, and highlight the needs of the community so that individuals and organisations can provide support.
She also serves as an adviser to chiefs and traditional leaders, ensuring that the perspectives of women and families are included in important community decisions.
Preserving Culture While Driving Development
Traditional leadership is often associated with preserving customs and cultural identity.
For Pognaa Salma, culture and development go hand in hand.
She proudly promotes festivals such as the colourful Dumba Festival, which celebrates harvest, unity, and gratitude while strengthening cultural identity among younger generations.
At the same time, she continues to champion initiatives that improve education, healthcare, and community well-being.
The Challenges of Female Traditional Leadership
Despite progress, she acknowledges that women in traditional leadership still face obstacles.
Historically, women’s voices were often excluded from decision-making, and although significant improvements have been made, barriers remain.
She believes communities benefit most when women actively participate in leadership because women often understand the realities affecting families, children, and households in ways that are essential for effective community development.
Without women’s perspectives, she argues, many important issues risk being overlooked.
Keeping Traditional Leadership Above Politics
One of her strongest messages during the interview concerned the neutrality of traditional leaders.
She expressed concern that increasing political involvement by some chiefs and queen mothers has weakened public confidence in traditional institutions.
According to her, traditional leaders should remain above partisan politics and serve all members of their communities equally.
By maintaining neutrality, they preserve the dignity, authority, and trust that have long defined traditional leadership.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her official responsibilities, Pognaa Salma spends time visiting schools and mentoring young people.
She encourages girls to believe in themselves, embrace leadership opportunities, and take pride in their cultural heritage.
She also advocates for healthier lifestyles by promoting indigenous foods and educating students about balanced nutrition.
For many young girls, seeing a professional nurse, national pageant finalist, and Paramount Queen Mother serving her community sends a powerful message that women can excel in multiple roles while remaining committed to uplifting others.
A Message to Women
As women pursue careers and professional success, Pognaa Salma offers a message of balance rather than limitation.
She encourages women to strive for excellence in their professions while also recognising the importance of nurturing their families and investing time in their children’s growth and development.
For her, true success is not measured solely by career achievements but by creating strong families, healthy communities, and future generations equipped to thrive.
A Legacy of Service
The story of Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak is about far more than becoming a Queen Mother.
It is the story of a healthcare professional who used her skills to improve lives, a cultural ambassador who proudly represented her region on a national stage, and a traditional leader who continues to place service above status.
Her journey reminds us that leadership is not defined by titles alone. It is earned through compassion, integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
After ten years as Paramount Queen Mother, Pognaa Salma Chaana Abdul-Razak continues to embody these values, proving that true leadership begins with a heart dedicated to the people.
