Veteran journalist Oheneyere Gifty Anti has described herself as “the most vilified media woman” in Ghana but says constant attacks will not stop her from speaking.
Anti was speaking at the 2nd JAMILA International Women’s Forum on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures.”
Reflecting on the personal cost of her work as a woman in media, Anti said the criticism is relentless. “Even just some few days ago, I was accused of something. I think I must add to my CV the most vilified media woman. Every week there’s something. You’re set up for insults. You’re set up for name calling,” she told the audience. “But would you let it stop you? No, no.”
She said many still misunderstand women empowerment.“Women empowerment is simply to help women uncover their potentials that as women of faith: Christians, Muslims, African Traditional Religion, our God and our gods have gifted us women as custodian of our lands, as people who have to preserve our tradition, our culture, our identity, raise children,” Anti said.
Anti, 56, said she mentions her age deliberately. “I’m 56 years old, and I’ll mention it not to flaunt it, but it’s very intentional to let women know that it doesn’t matter your age, your background, you are worthy.”
On the forum’s theme, she compared breaking barriers to a glass ceiling: “When you have to break through a glass ceiling, you will definitely have a cut. Sometimes you will be bleeding, sometimes some of the glass will get stuck in your hand but it won’t stop you. You hit the ground, you rise, and you keep moving. You break barriers.”
The forum also recognized women driving change with leadership and empowerment awards.
The honours went to women whose work has contributed significantly to the development of society and the nation, including Anti herself, who was awarded for the key role she has played in women empowerment.
The event brought together several dignitaries, including representatives of the Ga Traditional Council, the Sub-divisional Queen of the Gbi Traditional Area in Hohoe, the Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Executive Secretary of the National Films Authority, the Commanding Officer of the Ghana Military Police, the Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Ghana, and other high-profile guests.
