Eight young women from across Ghana have been chosen for the 2026 edition of the Ambassador for a Day (AfD) programme, an initiative designed to expose emerging female leaders to high-level decision-making spaces.
The programme, led by the UK Government in partnership with private sector and civil society organisations, offers participants a year-long mentorship experience. This year’s cohort, made up of finalists aged between 18 and 24, is the largest since the initiative began.
As part of the programme, the selected participants will shadow high commissioners, ambassadors and top female executives. They will also take part in structured training sessions focused on leadership, public speaking, digital skills, emotional intelligence and women’s rights advocacy.
According to the initiative’s organizers, the goal is to provide young women real-world experience in public service, business, and diplomacy. In addition to opportunities to attend high-level meetings, speaking engagements, and institutional visits, each participant will be matched with a mentor.
The programme, now in its fifth year, has expanded to include both diplomatic leaders and corporate executives, offering broader exposure for participants. Activities will run throughout 2026, with sessions designed to strengthen confidence, build networks and develop leadership capacity.
Speaking at the announcement, H.E. Dr. Christian Rogg, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, emphasized the significance of giving young women access to leadership spaces, pointing out that such exposure might help them imagine and pursue such responsibilities in the future.
One of the selected participants, Ibtisam Sualisu, said the experience would help her amplify her voice and connect with leaders working to advance gender equality and sustainable development. Reflecting on the programme’s theme, “Give to Gain,” she emphasised the value of collaboration and community support in achieving shared progress.
Despite ongoing efforts, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions both in Ghana and globally. The AfD programme seeks to address this gap by providing mentorship and hands-on experience to young women with leadership potential.
An official launch event and mentorship workshop is scheduled to take place on April 22, where participants will meet their mentors for the first time. The programme will conclude in December with a reflection session marking the end of the year-long journey.
All activities will be carried out in secure, supervised settings with participant safety precautions in place, according to the organizers.
Since its inception, the Ambassador for a Day initiative has partnered with several international missions in Accra and continues to expand opportunities for young women across the country.
Story By: Jennifer Darko
