Hon. Gertrude Adzo Borklo is a dynamic Ghanaian leader, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for gender equity in local governance. She currently serves as the elected Assembly Member for the Biakpa-Fume Electoral Area in the Ho West District of Ghana’s Volta Region, where she has been instrumental in championing community development, youth empowerment, and inclusive leadership since her election in 2015 at the age of just 24.
In addition to her political role, Gertrude serves as a National Trustee of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), where she contributes to local government reform and policy direction. She is also the founder of Popsicles Ghana, an initiative that merges entrepreneurship with social impact, providing employment opportunities and business mentorship for women in her region.
Gertrude is particularly vocal about increasing women’s representation in politics, a field that remains largely male-dominated in Ghana. Currently, only 40 out of 275 Members of Parliament in Ghana are women just over 14%. At the district level, female representation is even lower, with less than 10% of Assembly Members being women, according to 2023 local government statistics.
In an exclusive interview with Just4WomenAfrica, Hon. Gertrude Borklo shared insights about her political journey and commitment to social transformation.
A Journey Sparked by Education
When asked what inspired her to become an Assembly Member, Gertrude reflected on her time at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). While still in secondary year, she noticed that many Junior High School (JHS) students in her community were underperforming academically. Motivated to make a change, she mobilized a few friends to volunteer and teach at the JHS during their free time. This grassroots engagement planted the seed for deeper public service.
After completing her national service, she decided to run for office. At 24, she contested and won the election to represent the Biakpa-Fume Electoral Area. Her age and gender were initially seen as drawbacks. “Some people said I was too young; others said I was a woman and couldn’t perform as well as a man,” she recalled. However, she used her background in education and youth work to gain the trust of the electorate emphasizing her potential to bring investment into the community’s struggling education sector.
Serving the People: Role of an Assembly Member
Gertrude explained that her core responsibility as an Assembly Member is to identify pressing community issues and advocate for development projects through the District Assembly. She emphasized that success in this role requires strong skills in lobbying, communication, and stakeholder engagement. From educational infrastructure to clean water access and roads, she actively mobilizes resources and partnerships for lasting community improvement.
Encouraging More Women into Politics
Politics remains a male-dominated space in Ghana and across much of Africa. But Gertrude remains undeterred. “I tell young women: take the step. People will doubt you and oppose you, but don’t be discouraged,” she said. She pointed to the nomination of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice Presidential candidate in 2020 as a powerful symbol that women can lead at the highest levels.
Community Engagement and Consultation
Understanding and addressing local needs is central to Gertrude’s leadership. She engages with her constituents through town hall meetings, chief consultations, and regular community dialogues. This bottom-up approach helps ensure development efforts are aligned with the people’s needs.
Her Legacy
Gertrude’s commitment to mentoring young women—especially in entrepreneurship and public service—is central to the legacy she hopes to leave. Through Popsicles Ghana and personal mentorship programs, she has supported over 100 young women in launching small businesses or pursuing further education.
“I want the next generation of girls in my community to believe they can lead, whether it’s in business, politics, or any field they choose,” she said.
With her blend of bold leadership, community service, and unrelenting focus on empowerment, Hon. Gertrude Adzo Borklo represents the new face of African leadership—young, female, and impact-driven.
