Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has opened up about the deeply emotional and challenging road she travelled to secure her seat in Parliament, describing her experience as one marked by immense trauma, spiritual reliance, and unrelenting perseverance.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at the Christian Believers Prayer Ministry International in Mamfe, Akuapim, Hon. Joana shared how her political ambitions were nearly derailed by what she called orchestrated legal battles designed to block her from contesting the 2024 elections.
Though committed from the onset to serving her people and bringing tangible development to her constituency, Hon. Joana revealed that the psychological toll of the legal wrangling and attempts to disqualify her almost pushed her to give up her parliamentary dream.
Reflecting on her journey, she described the legal battle as a daunting experience that seemed unwinnable at times. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to God, who gave me the strength and wisdom to navigate the challenges that came my way,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
“It’s not by my might, but by God’s grace that I’ve emerged victorious. I’m humbled by the trust my constituents have placed in me, and I promise to work tirelessly to fulfil my campaign promises.”
She extended her heartfelt appreciation to Brother Emmanuel Nkansah, the founder of the church, whom she described as her spiritual guide for the past two decades.
One of the most harrowing moments of her campaign, she recalled, came during the penultimate court hearing in Accra—despite the fact that earlier proceedings had taken place in Sekondi.
“At our last but one court hearing, which took place in Accra, although the case was originally heard in Sekondi, even my regional women organiser, who has actively been in politics for thirty years, gave up.
That day was indeed a sad day for me because it was evidently clear that I wasn’t going to be on the ballots,” she said. “At the court, I was made aware that I was already not eligible to contest and that the election would take place without me. But thanks to our God, who has a perfect plan not just for me but anyone who honestly calls on his name, he came through for me and I was cleared to contest on the 1st of December, just six days to the elections.
For me, I’ve known God and encountered His mercies, so I shall forever trust Him and be grateful to Him.”
Hon. Joana’s reflections cast a light on the lesser-seen side of politics—the personal and emotional strain candidates endure, especially women navigating a space still dominated by structural barriers and intense scrutiny.
Now firmly in office, the MP has wasted no time in rolling out development initiatives for her constituency. Among the projects already underway are the establishment of a block factory and the clearing of land for a new seven-faculty university in Wassa Agona. She has also introduced a monthly stipend for tertiary students and is spearheading a vegetable farming training scheme for women, underscoring her promise to uplift Amenfi Central.
In closing, she expressed profound gratitude to her spiritual father, Reverend Emmanuel Nkansah, as well as her family, supporters, and friends who stood by her during the toughest moments of her campaign.
As she looks ahead, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe remains committed to championing the interests of Amenfi Central in Parliament, anchored by faith and a deep sense of service.
