By Kamal Ahmed
Atimpoku (E/R), Nov. 22, GNA – The Nana Serwaa Barakatu Humanitarian and Endowment Foundation, in cooperation with the National Lottery Authority (NLA) Good Causes Foundation, has organised a day’s workshop to enhance the capacity of queen mothers in leadership and governance.
The workshop, held in Atimpoku in the Eastern Region, drew approximately 30 queen mothers from the Eastern, Volta, and Oti regions.
The training on the theme: “Enhancing women’s participation and presentation in leadership and governance through chieftaincy and culture.”
Nana Afua Serwaa Ampafo Brakatu I, the Queen Mother of Akwamu-Adumasa, speaking at the workshop, said the workshop was being organised to empower queen mothers, who could go and teach their subordinates how to assume leadership and governance roles.
She noted that the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill allowed women equal access to leadership and governance positions in the nation, enabling them to contribute to decision-making for development.
“Learning about the Affirmative Action Bill is crucial so that we, as participants, can inform our followers about it and let them know that they can be part of decision-making,” she said.
She stated that when women were given opportunities, they should give their best, work harder, and be willing to learn new things to take on leadership roles and contribute to the country’s growth.
The programme’s facilitator, Mama Bobi III, Queen Mother of Asogli State and a Circuit Court Judge, emphasised that women must enhance their leadership skills to effectively communicate to their female counterparts the importance of becoming involved, as they are at risk of falling behind.
She also mentioned that queen mothers needed to recognise the necessity of having more women in leadership positions and that, to be better prepared for such roles, women should pursue education and equip themselves adequately.
“Are we ready now that the president has signed the affirmative action bill into law, which demands that every organisation provide equal opportunity to both men and women, we are not going to hire incompetent women simply because the law says so,” she said.
She added: “So, it’s past time for women and girls to get off the streets and return to school, as well as do something tangible for themselves, so that they can take control of their life and have an impact on society.”
The judge remarked that despite women outnumbering men, they have been relegated to the background for a very long time.
She emphasised the importance of women being aware of the numerous laws that protect them, including those related to property rights, family tribunal matters, and domestic violence.
She stated that it is crucial for women to understand these protections, so they do not remain at the beck and call of men. He encouraged them to take on challenges and strive for self-sufficiency to better facilitate progress for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Nana Abena Ansaah Sasraku, the Akwamu Queen Mother of Larteh Kubease, told the Ghana News Agency that the education she has received has prepared her to assume leadership roles.
She pointed out that women have been marginalized in decision-making processes, noting that phrases like “king” or “chief” are often used without recognizing that they do not exist without a queen.
She also stressed the importance of giving women greater roles within the palace or chieftaincy institutions, allowing them to participate in administration.
Nana Sasraku urged both the regional and national houses of chiefs to include women in the election process so they can take on leadership responsibilities, thereby promoting unity, love, and gender balance in the country.
Ms. Ama Frimpong, the Coordinator for the NLA Good Causes Foundation, emphasized the significance of educating queen mothers so they can train young women in their communities, who are often vulnerable.
She said that queen mothers are the mothers of entire communities and that the training would go a long way to enhance their capacity to educate women on leadership and governance roles.
It would also them to understand how they could support the girl child in shaping their lives to become future generational leaders.
GNA