Akorfa, a seasoned teacher, human rights advocate, and entrepreneur, has been chosen as the running mate to Bernard Anbaayatela Mornah on the ticket of the PNC for the upcoming presidential election.

This announcement of a female running mate by the PNC flagbearer, historic in the annals of the PNC, marks a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality in Ghanaian politics on the back of the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill.

With a career spanning over two decades, Akorfa has consistently demonstrated her commitment to social justice, education, and economic empowerment. Her impressive track record includes championing legislation for women's rights, advocating for affordable healthcare, and supporting small businesses and the needy.

As a running mate to the consummate politician, Bernard Mornah, who is described by political watchers as the decider of the 2024 elections, Akorfa brings a unique perspective to the ticket. Her experience as a successful teacher in Germany and entrepreneur, combined with her passion for grassroots activism, culminating in her being elected as an assembly member for 8 years, makes her an ideal partner for the presidency.

In an exclusive interview with Newsflashafrica.com, Akorfa shared her vision for the future: "I'm honoured to be part of this journey. I believe in the power of inclusivity and diversity. I must say I’m motivated by this grand opportunity given to me. My flagbearer says Ghana First, and I believe PNC represents the change Ghana needs. We hope to work together with the good people of Ghana so that we can create a brighter future for all Ghanaians."

Akorfa’s nomination has been met with widespread enthusiasm in the Volta region, where she hails from, inspiring countless women and girls to pursue their own paths in politics.

Her nomination, according to analysts, is likely to dwindle the electoral fortunes of the opposition NDC, whom many Voltarians believe long deserved the running mate slot owing to the votes they garner for the party, yet that prestigious slot has eluded them.

As Ghanaians gear up for this make-or-break election, one thing is clear: Joycelyn Akorfa Ochlich-Dotse is a force to be reckoned with. Her leadership, expertise, and dedication make her an exceptional running mate.

As for the impact and the positive gains she brings to the ticket from the Volta region on the day of polls, your guess is as good as mine.


Employment History / Work Experience

2017 – Date

CEO / Managing Director

African Hill Resort, Ho

2010 – Date

CEO / Managing Director

CDC Ventures

2004 – Date

Executive Director

Community Development Concern (NGO, Volta Region)

2006 – Date

Director (Founder)

Cured Lepers Foundation (Ho, Ghana)

2004 – 2005

Assistant Revenue Officer

VAT Service, Ghana

1993 – 1998

Marketing Director

J.&J. Intertrade Ltd. (Accra, Ghana)

1990 – 1992

Sales Representative

Transel Ghana Ltd. (Accra, Ghana)

1987 – 1988

Clerical Officer

Ghana Education Service (Ho, Ghana)

Membership

• Elected Assembly Member in Ho Municipal Assembly for 8 years and held various positions: Chairperson Development Planning Sub-Committee, Chairperson Gender Sub-Committee, and Chairperson Works Sub-Committee

• Board Member of Mawuli Secondary School, Ho (2010-2011)

• Board Member of Mawuko Girls Secondary School, Ho (2012 to 2014)

• Member of Ho Municipal Oversight Committee, African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) (2010 to 2016)

• PTA Chairperson of Holy Spirit Catholic Preparatory School (2012 to 2013)

• Member of Ghana HIV AIDS Network (GHANET) and Rotary Club, Ho

International Profile

• Elected Coordinator for Africa Female Decision Makers Network (a Network of Local Government Female Decision Makers with affiliation to Finland, 2008 to 2010)

Conferences

• Conference on Employment Oriented Public-Private Partnership by Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development / SIF, 2012

• United Cities & Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) Abuja Unity Congress by UCLG Pan-African Electoral Assembly, 2010

• Conference on Gender Responsive Budgeting Training by Commonwealth Secretariat and Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, 2009

• Conference on National Summit on Credit Rating – Abuja, Nigeria by Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) & Developing Markets Associates, 2009

• Conference on Access to Development Funding for Local Governments in Africa – Johannesburg, South Africa by Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) and Developing Markets Associates, 2008

• Conference on Leadership for Local Governance and Development in Delivery of MDGs in Africa by United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) 1st Ordinary Congress, 2008

• Conference on Promoting Women’s Participation in Local Governance: Challenges & Prospects by National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), 2007

Achievements, Honours and Awards

• Founded a Foundation and Built a Resettlement Village for Cured Lepers in Ho with over 200 people settled in the village with a clinic, 4 boreholes, skills training centre, 50-unit houses, classroom blocks, and organised payment of school fees for needy children to tertiary level.

• Award of Honour for Self Sacrifice for the Good of Others by the Chiefs, Elders, Headmistress and the entire Freetown Leprosarium Community, Ho (2008).

• Award of Appreciation for Generosity and Support to Underprivileged Individuals by Love Neighbours Missions International (2002).

• Award for Sterling Dedicated Service & Commitment to the Cured Lepers in Ghana by Father Andrew Campbell and Leper’s Aid Committee, Accra (2007).

Hobbies

Reading, writing, thinking, skipping, interacting with people, dancing, community development works, and fundraising.

Referees

• Mama Atrato II, Queen of Ho Dome (020 6932660)

• Lady Rev. Mrs. Stella Dogoe (020 8161345)