Biography
Human rights lawyer, gender champion and public servant. More than three decades advancing justice, dignity and opportunity for women and communities across Ghana.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo (formerly Nana Oye Lithur) is a Ghanaian barrister, human rights lawyer and gender advocate with over three decades of experience in court practice, litigation, gender policy, governance and social protection.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Across her career she has championed the rights of women, children and vulnerable communities in courtrooms, in policy chambers and through grassroots advocacy. Her voice on women's economic empowerment, girls' education and social protection has shaped national conversation in Ghana for decades.
Appointed by President John Dramani Mahama, Nana Oye served as Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection from 2013 to 2017. During her tenure, Cabinet approved five landmark policies:
Under her leadership Ghana created the first-ever National Household Registry for social protection in West Africa, the foundation for targeting support to the most vulnerable. She also championed the LEAP (Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty) programme, disability-friendly public building standards and systemic reforms in social welfare delivery.
Before entering government, Nana Oye built a distinguished record in human rights law. She worked with the Human Rights Advocacy Centre and engaged with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, building expertise in litigation, legal aid and policy reform.
Her advocacy spans gender equality, children's rights, public health, disability inclusion and governance accountability. She has represented Ghana in international forums and contributed to continental and global policy on women's rights and social protection.
In January 2025, President Mahama appointed Nana Oye Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration at the Office of the President. In this role she continues to advance women's visibility and leadership in governance.
In 2026 she convened the First Annual National Forum on Women in Governance and Media in Accra, calling for deeper collaboration between women leaders and women communicators to strengthen leadership, visibility and public trust in national development.
Office of the President, Republic of Ghana. Appointed by President John Dramani Mahama.
Built Ghana's formal social protection system and the National Household Registry, the first in West Africa.
Court practice, litigation and advocacy with the Human Rights Advocacy Centre and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.
University of Pretoria, South Africa. LLB from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Invest in a girl and you invest in a nation.Nana Oye Bampoe Addo
Be part of a community training leaders, defending rights and building lasting change across Ghana.