Abla Dzifa Gomashie Slams Men Questioning Joyce Bawah Mogtari’s Handbag
Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie has criticised men questioning the kind of handbag carried by Senior Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawah Mogtari, describing the scrutiny as an example of the treatment women face in public life.
Speaking at the 2026 Obaasima Summit, Gomashie expressed displeasure at messages circulating among some men who questioned Mogtari’s choice of handbag.
“I’ve seen some messages by some men who should know better questioning the kind of bag Joyce Bawah Mogtari carries. The effrontery, the audacity to question a woman like this,” she said.
Her remarks highlight concerns about the scrutiny women in leadership positions often face over their personal choices and appearance, rather than their professional responsibilities and contributions.
Gomashie’s comments suggest that the criticism directed at Mogtari raises broader questions about the standards to which women in public life are held and whether similar scrutiny is applied to their male counterparts.
The handbag controversy has brought renewed attention to the challenges women face in navigating public office, where personal choices can become subjects of public debate.
The 2026 Obaasima Summit provided a platform for the minister to express her concerns about the treatment of women and call attention to the need for greater respect for women in public life.
