The Leading Lady

ASSUMPTA WEEKLY MAGAZINE

Newsletter Feature – May Edition

Cover Spotlight: Assumpta Magazine (African Stream Edition)
Cover Personality: Shirley E.F. Tibilla – The Leading Lady
“She made her way from the bottom to the top of the Crown.”

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Magazine: Assumpta – Cookieteegh Online Digital and Lifestyle Magazine

Stream: African Stream

Cover Highlights

Title: Leading Lady
Tagline: Made her way from the bottom to the top of the Crown

Featured Look:

• Shirly wears a fitted olive green midi dress with patterned trim accents
• Styled with a matching olive handbag and white pointed heels
• Her confident, poised stride is captured outdoors

The outfit featured is a stunning, form-fitting olive green midi dress with patterned fabric accents that enhance her silhouette. The puffed sleeves and wrap-style waist detailing exude elegance and sophistication. The look is completed with ready-to-wear pieces blending African chic with contemporary design, crafted by @amatchiwa.

Visual Elements

• Prominent QR Code for interactive digital access
• Elegant, minimalist layout
• Bold, modern fonts that complement the editorial theme

Side Tag: “Cookieteegh” – Possibly her affectionate nickname

A Brief Historical Overview

Shirley Tibilla admits she didn’t witness the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah or the CIA’s aggression towards Ghanaian women—but she lives in the echoes of that past.

1. Nkrumah’s Pro-Women Legacy (1957–1966)

Before diving into the aftermath, it’s vital to understand what Nkrumah built:

• Political Representation:
  In 1960, he passed the Representation of the People (Women Members) Bill, allowing 10 women to enter Parliament unopposed—a historic first.
  
• Women’s Movements:
  He consolidated various women’s groups into the Ghana Federation of Women (GFW)—a state-supported, politically aligned body promoting gender equality.
  
• Education & Employment:
  Nkrumah’s administration expanded girls’ education, women’s literacy, and encouraged female employment in civil service, teaching, and diplomacy.
  
• Anti-Colonial Feminism:
  Influenced by Pan-Africanism and alliances with African-American feminists and socialists, Nkrumah’s policies fused anti-imperialism with gender justice.
  

2. Aftermath of the 1966 Coup

The overthrow by the National Liberation Council (NLC) marked a sharp ideological reversal:

A. Dismantling of Institutions

• The Ghana Federation of Women was dissolved, weakening organised advocacy.
• Women lost previously held public and policy-making roles.

B. Repression of Female Nkrumahists

• Women loyal to Nkrumah were vilified, dismissed, or silenced.
• Smear campaigns and investigations targeted their credibility.

C. Rise of Conservatism

• The NLC depoliticised women’s roles, reverting to traditional expectations.
• Political participation slowed; momentum from Nkrumah’s era halted.

3. Broader Social & Cultural Impact

• Stalled Progress: Revolutionary gender reforms were frozen.
• Depoliticisation: Women’s organisations became apolitical or NGO-based.
• Silenced Advocacy: Without state support, women’s rights efforts faded for decades.

Notable Women Silenced

• Sophia Oboshie Doku, Susanna Al-Hassan, and Dr. Evelyn Amarteifio—women whose political careers ended abruptly post-coup.
• Many women lost positions of influence.

Legacy and Resurgence

It wasn’t until the 1990s, through democratisation and civil society’s rise, that feminist activism—often inspired by Nkrumah’s vision—re-emerged.

Why “Leading Lady”?

The title Leading Lady provokes curiosity: Why her? What makes Shirley Tibilla different?

Though born after the turbulence of 1966, Shirley’s rise speaks volumes. She represents a powerful individual ascent in a nation where collective women’s power was shattered and buried.

Her rise is not political—it is cultural. In a world that sidelined female leadership for decades, Shirley Tibilla, known affectionately as Cookie Tee, built her influence through education, authenticity, and modern media.

She didn’t inherit a platform—she created one.

Who is Cookie Tee?

• Full Name: Shirley Emma Fatima Tibilla
• Born: February 25, 1991 – Bawku, Upper East Region, Ghana (Age 34 as of May 2025)
• Profession: Television presenter and actress
• Known For: Co-host of New Day (TV3 Ghana), host of Today’s Women, Kitchen Wars, Ghana Most Beautiful
• Education: Degrees in Theatre Arts and Political Science, University of Ghana
• Socials: Instagram (@cookieteegh) | TikTok (@therealcookieteegh)

Cultural Power in the Post-Nkrumah Era

Your observation is powerful. Shirley’s story touches on both historical rupture and symbolic continuity. Her rise is remarkable, especially in post-1966 Ghana, where systemic support for women vanished. But she rose nonetheless, becoming a new kind of leader.

What Makes Her Ascent Unique?

• Self-Made:
  She speaks to young women without institutional support—authentic and grassroots.
  
• Visibility & Voice:
  Like the women of Nkrumah’s era, she amplifies women’s stories through screens, not speeches.
  
• Emotional Intelligence:
  Her leadership is charismatic, emotionally resonant, and deeply human.
  

A Missing Link…

Shirley may not trace her success directly to the women torn apart in 1966, but her rise is built upon the broken dreams of those pioneers. Their silenced voices echo in the leadership she now embodies.

She is proof that their fight was not in vain.

The Bigger Picture: Why Leading Lady?

Ghana, active on the global stage, must champion women’s leadership rooted in peace and humanity.

In his 2000 peace proposal, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda wrote:

“With women leading the way, when every person is aware and committed, we will be able to prevent society from relapsing into the culture of war, and foster and nurture energy toward the creation of a century of peace.”

Ghana is recognising the vital role of young women—an untapped resource with immense potential to shape the future.

Shirley Tibilla is not just a media icon.
She is the symbol of a new era of feminine leadership, rooted in legacy, but reaching for

Leading Lady

Featuring Shirley E.F. Tibilla — also known as @Cookieteegh

In a world where stories shape identities and inspire change, Shirley Tibilla’s journey stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Known to many as Cookie Tee, her rise in Ghana’s media landscape is more than a tale of fame — it is a powerful narrative of purpose, perseverance, and personal evolution.

Born with dreams that at times felt distant, Shirley grew into her calling, not without challenges. But through each obstacle, she found within herself the courage, confidence, wisdom, and compassion to lead — not only on-screen, but in life.

“I found ways to face my fears and lack of self-worth,” she reflects, “and this, in turn, enabled me to follow my dreams and reap such wonderful benefits.”

In the spirit of the Soka Gakkai tradition, which values storytelling as a tool for nurturing capable leaders, Shirley’s story echoes the importance of inner transformation. Her experience mirrors those of many great women featured in our Assumpta Newsletter: Nana Owusuaa Gyimah-Addo, Kelly Rowland, Ms. Assumpta-Gahutu, Serwaa Amihere, Miss Akua Boadiwaa Boateng, Berla Mundi, Frema Adunyame, Linda Vo, Hilda Baci, Joselyn Dumas, Mzbel, and others, who have remained undefeated by their circumstances.

These women, like Shirley Tibilla, are living testaments to the idea that leadership is not defined by titles alone, but by service, empathy, and resilience.

“There has been this strong inner voice encouraging me to pursue my path as a TV presenter,” she shares. “The path wasn’t easy, but the hardships I witnessed — the resilience of everyday people in Ghana — inspired me. They reminded me that my work could be a platform for healing, for empowerment.”

The upcoming feature in our newsletter delves into an intimate dialogue between Shirley Tibilla and Ghana’s brilliant journalist, Berla Mundi. Together, they reflect on what it means to be a woman in leadership today, forging ahead despite glass ceilings, social pressures, and the often unseen burdens of representation.

“As human beings, we all have our flaws,” Shirley says candidly, “but it’s through embracing them that we unlock our true power.”

At the heart of this story is a universal truth: young women hold boundless potential to shape the world. When given the tools of self-belief and opportunity, they don’t just rise — they uplift others along the way.

“Leading Lady” is more than a profile; it is a call to action. A celebration of how personal development, faith, and purpose can spark change in a community, a country, and beyond.

Newsletter drops this Friday, May 23, 2025.
Stay inspired. Stay connected.
#TheLeadingLady #WomenWhoLead #AssumptaNewsletter

Cover Feature Dialogue –

Spotlight Segment: Leading Lady Dialogue

Featuring: Shirley Tibilla (Cookieteegh) & Berla Mundi
Theme: Rising Ghanaian Women – From Nkrumah’s Legacy to Today’s Icons

Introduction for Our Global Readers

Two women. Two voices.
Both were born long after the fall of Ghana’s first Republic.
Both were raised in a world reshaped by silence, where the bold, trailblazing women of Nkrumah’s Ghana were forgotten too soon.
Yet today, they speak on airwaves, on stages, in millions of homes.

Shirley Emma Fatima Tibilla, widely known as Cookieteegh, is not just a morning show host. She’s a national storyteller, a cultural force, and a symbol of rising feminine leadership in Ghana. From Bawku to prime time, she’s carved her name without inherited privilege—armed only with passion, precision, and poise.

Berla Mundi, born Berlinda Addardey, is a powerhouse in her own right. Known for her commanding voice and sharp intellect, she has emerged as one of Ghana’s most trusted journalists and broadcasters. Fluent in activism, diplomacy, and discourse, she brings a soul-deep clarity to national conversations. Her presence—like her voice—is unmistakable.

The Dialogue Begins

Berla Mundi (soft, firm tone):
“You are right, Cookieteegh. I admit—we both didn’t witness the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah. We didn’t hear the silence that followed. But the echoes? Oh, we feel them. We feel the tear that event caused—the way it shattered the collective spirit of Ghanaian women.

But your story—your rise—your resilience… it reminds me that something powerful still lives in us. So let’s begin this conversation. Let’s honour the women before us, and defend the rise of those yet to come.”

Cookieteegh (confident, reflective):
“I appreciate that, Berla. We stand on foundations we didn’t build—but we’re tasked to protect. You know, sometimes I wonder—what would have happened if those women had been allowed to thrive after Nkrumah? If Sophia Oboshie Doku or Susanna Al-Hassan had passed on their political blueprints instead of fading into obscurity?

But here we are—not politicians, but broadcasters. Not in parliament, but in the public psyche. We’ve had to find our voice differently. And maybe that’s our version of power now—storytelling as resistance. Visibility as activism.”

Berla Mundi (nodding, leaning in):
“Yes! Our microphones are our platforms. Our viewers, our constituents. And don’t let anyone call it ‘soft power.’ It’s sharp. It shapes perceptions. When I walk into a room of young girls after a speech or see a DM that says, ‘You made me believe I could,’ I realise—we are doing what those Nkrumah-era women started. We’re just doing it with different tools.”

Cookieteegh:
“Exactly. And while we may not be state-backed like they were under Nkrumah, we are self-made. That self-made journey is brutal, but it also proves something critical: that Ghanaian women haven’t lost their power. We’ve just had to relocate it—from the public square to social media, from policy papers to podcasts, from party manifestos to masterclasses.”

Berla Mundi:
“And in doing so, we’ve redefined what it means to lead. It’s not just about titles or positions—it’s about presence—and more importantly, impact. We’re turning influence into advocacy, reach into responsibility. That’s the essence of new-age Ghanaian leadership—especially among women.”

Cookieteegh:
“And maybe, just maybe—we’re the living proof that what happened in 1966 didn’t bury our power. It only forced it underground… until we found new ways to let it rise.”

Berla Mundi (smiling):
“To every woman watching, listening, reading this: We rise not despite our history, but because of it. Nkrumah’s women may have been silenced, but their dreams are not dead.

They live in every voice we amplify.
Every seat we occupy.
Every girl we empower.”

Tagline Beneath the Dialogue Spread:
“From Political Roots to Cultural Thrones – Ghanaian Women Continue to Rise.”

Part II: “Rebuilding What Was Broken – A New Blueprint for African Women’s Power”

Berla Mundi (with conviction):
“We’ve talked about the past. But now we must ask: what are we building for the next generation of women? Ghanaian girls need more than inspiration. They need institutions. Structures. Networks.

We can’t rise alone anymore. If our generation’s leadership remains individualistic, media-based, and unstructured, then we risk repeating history. The next coup won’t come from tanks; it’ll come from the collapse of momentum.”

Cookieteegh (nodding, emotionally resonant):
“You’re right. We have visibility, but now we need viability. We need legacy structures that don’t vanish when we leave the screen.

Imagine a Creative Women’s Institute—not just for content creation, but for policy shaping, media literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital advocacy. Because today’s battlefield is digital. And our young women are powerful but unarmed.”

Berla Mundi:
“I’ve always believed in what I call mentorship with consequence. Not just feel-good panels, but long-term investment in actual skills, networks, and access. We need to institutionalise our informal influence.

Let’s start by creating coalitions. Media women. Tech women. Political women. Rural and urban. The fragmentation we inherited must end. We must organise. That was Nkrumah’s greatest gift to Ghanaian women—unity through structure.”

Cookieteegh:
“And while we’re doing that, we also need to own our narratives. Too often, women’s progress is told from the lens of suffering or charity. No. Ghanaian women are strategists. Builders. Visionaries. Let’s normalise excellence. Let’s celebrate ambition. Let’s invest in beauty and brilliance—without apology.”

Berla Mundi (smiling):
“And it starts with us. Not in the future, but now. We build while we rise. We mentor while we grow. We speak even if our voices shake. We vote. We invest. We create safe spaces. We publish our histories.”

Cookieteegh:
“And we name names. Not just the men who shaped nations, but the women who carried them forward. Efua Sutherland. Theodosia Okoh. Sophia Doku. Shirley Graham Du Bois. Our daughters need to know these names as well as they know Beyoncé and Michelle Obama. This is not just national memory—it’s national power.”

Berla Mundi:
“So we pledge today—not just to be voices, but to build volumes. To lay a foundation. For every girl who’s still told to stay small, for every woman who’s still playing polite. We are not the exception—we are the beginning of a new norm.”

Tagline Beneath Dialogue Spread:
“They silenced our grandmothers. We’re raising our daughters louder.”

Part III: “The Future She Deserves” – A Shared Agenda by Two Leading Ladies:

Cookieteegh:
“Berla, before we close, let’s get practical. If this platform means anything—this visibility we’ve earned—then we should leave behind more than words. We need a direction.”

Berla Mundi:
“Yes. Let’s draft a three-point call—not just for leaders in power, but for us, for media women, entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers. A shared responsibility. Let’s call it:
‘The Future She Deserves: A 3-Point Ghanaian Women’s Agenda by 2030.’”

1. Build Permanent Women-Led Institutions:

Cookieteegh:
“We need institutions that don’t disappear with a name or face. Think: national-level Women’s Creative Hubs, Policy Incubators, and Funding Collectives led by women across industries. They must outlive us.”

2. Rewrite and Teach Her History

Berla Mundi:
“Curricula in schools and media