Ebi Bright makes history in Ghana as Tema’s first female mayor
Ebi Bright has been sworn in as the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to serve as mayor of Tema, Ghana’s industrial hub, on May 9. She was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama, and confirmed with an overwhelming endorsement, securing 28 votes in favour and 3 against from assembly members.
Her appointment has been celebrated as a breakthrough for gender representation in Ghanaian politics, while also sparking discussions about local leadership and inclusivity. Ebi Bright, a prominent figure in Ghana’s entertainment industry, first gained national recognition as an actress and media personality before transitioning to politics.
As a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), she contested as the party’s parliamentary candidate for Tema Central in the 2024 elections. Her charisma, communication skills, and public profile propelled her rise within the NDC, culminating in her nomination as MCE in April 2025.
Bright was sworn in at a ceremony officiated by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo. “I’m profoundly grateful to H.E. John Dramani Mahama for the confidence he has reposed in me, and to all the gallant men and women who make up his cabinet and advisers. I also thank the Honourable Assembly Members and government appointees for your endorsement,” she stated.
In her inaugural address, Bright outlined an ambitious vision to transform Tema into a sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic urban hub within a 24-hour economy, aligning with President Mahama’s economic agenda. She pledged to tackle pressing infrastructure challenges, including street lighting, market facilities, road networks, and social amenities, to enhance residents’ quality of life.
She added, “It is my mission to lead Tema into a bold new chapter, one defined by purpose, service, and love, transforming the city into a sustainable, industrial, economic, and social powerhouse. My vision is to develop Tema into a sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic urban hub, where industrial revival thrives within a 24-hour economy.”
Bright’s appointment was not without controversy. Prior to her confirmation, some youth groups and members of the Tema Traditional Council protested her nomination, arguing for a native of Tema to assume the role.
Her communication team countered these claims, asserting her Ga-Adangbe heritage through her mother and paternal grandmother, as well as her Anlo-Ewe lineage from the Volta Region. The controversy subsided following her confirmation, with supporters, including the Tema East NDC executives, endorsing her leadership and vision.
Written by Oral Ofori.
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
