By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), Mar. 11, GNA – Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong Akuffo, the Founder of the Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions in Ghana (LiMAP-Gh), has urged women to empower young girls in their communities to unlock their full potentials.
She gave the advice in Tarkwa when she addressed members of the association, female students from Basic and Senior High Schools, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, representatives from security agencies, beauticians, dress makers, and NGO’s during the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.
The IWD celebration is marked annually on March 8. The theme for this year is “Accelerating Action: Personal and Collective Responsibility.”
The event was organized by LiMAP-Gh in collaboration with the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) and UMaT, Tarkwa.
Prof. Akuffo recalled, “nine years ago, LiMAP-Gh was established to support and empower women in the industry, and our slogan is “Shining ahead and transforming our generations.”
“As we shine ahead, we leave a legacy. Our impact is evident in the positions we have held, and our achievements serve as a testament to our readiness for greater challenges” the founder said.
According to her “Now we go to basic schools because we want to catch them young, so we talk to these young ones and motivate them to see a brighter future ahead. This is the mission of the LiMAP-Gh “.
Dr Catherine Kuutor Kuupol, President of LiMAP-Gh, emphasized that” “This year’s celebration serves as a powerful reminder that every step we take, individually or collectively, brings us closer to a world where gender equality, rights, and empowerment are a reality, fostering a brighter future for all.”
She stated that their journey has been marked by personal growth and collective progress, saying, “through our united efforts, we continue to challenge stereotypes and break barriers.”
Dr Kuupol expressed her heartfelt gratitude to their valued partners, GFGF, UMaT, Tarkwa and the dedicated LiMAP-Gh for their instrumental support in making this year’s programme a success.
Prof. Michael Affam, Dean of the Office of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (ORIC) at the UMaT, Tarkwa, said the IWD 2025 slogan ‘Accelerate Action’ reminds them to move beyond planning and take concrete steps towards achieving gender equality, a fundamental human right.
He said “Today, we are honouring the extraordinary achievements of women globally, regionally, and locally. We have come together as a united front to advocate for personal equality, particularly in our own community, where women have historically faced discrimination.”
The Dean of ORIC stressed that wherever humanity exists, there must be parity, to ensure that women are equally valued, empowered, and never left behind.
Nana Abena Kunadjoa II, queen mother of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, said five years ago, she initiated a teenage pregnancy prevention project after witnessing its prevalence during a community visit to donate some items to the aged.
“As a leader in my community, I took it upon myself to educate and empower these young girls to abstain from early sexual activity and secure a brighter future for themselves.”
She, therefore, urged women to take up such initiatives and address them in their respective communities, whether individually or collectively, to support and empower young girls.
A distinguished panel discussed the vital role of personal and collective responsibility in driving gender equality, advancing women’s rights, and empowering women.
GNA
JP/KOA