By Priscilla Oye Ofori, GNA
Accra, Nov. 2,GNA—Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has urged continuous collaboration and commitment to empower women as agents of peace.
She said Ghana had made remarkable progress in promoting women’s participation, protection and leadership in peace and security processes, however, the evolving nature of global security threats demanded inclusive, gender-responsive and community-driven solutions to ensure peaceful co-existence.
Dr Lartey gave the advice at the press briefing to commemorate twenty-five (25) years anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
The resolution, adopted in 2000 in New York, remains the foundation of global efforts to ensure that women are not only protected in times of conflict, but also recognised and empowered as active agents of peace, security and sustainable development.
Ghana’s adopted theme for the commemoration is, “Empowering Women as Agents of Peace: Strengthening Community Resilience through Inclusive Leadership”.
The Minister said the achievements included the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, appointment of Gender Focal Persons in security services, development of Gender Policies in security services, deployment of women peacekeepers and mediators, and capacity-building programmes for women in peacebuilding and leadership.
She called for dedicated funding, effective inter-sectoral coordination and robust monitoring and evaluation to measure impact and accountability to sustain the gains of the Women Peace and Security agenda.
Dr Lartey said the Ministry spearheaded the development and implementation of Ghana’s National Action Plan (GHANAP I and II) on UNSCR 1325.
She also acknowledged that emerging challenges that needed to be addressed in GHANAP III included cybersecurity and digital threats, violent extremism and border security, climate change and environmental security, ensuring women were placed at the centre of security and policy solutions.
“We do not want women to be seen and portrayed only as victims, but also as the agents in these issues, especially when it comes to early warning systems, nobody picks early warning systems better than women, because we are everywhere, doing everything, almost all the time,”
“…The Ministry will continue to collaborate with our partners, including government agencies, civil society, academia, traditional leaders and the media to build a secure, equitable and peaceful Ghana for all,” the Minister added.
Dr Lartey encouraged the media to continue to tell the stories of women peacebuilders, amplify their voices and promote discussions of inclusion and resilience.
Dr Charity Binka, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, said women must not just be participants, but leaders in the country’s peace architecture.
“We will continue to advocate for women’s active participation in peace processes, mediation, and conflict prevention,” she added.
The AWLN, Dr Binka said, recognised that inclusive governance was the foundation of peaceful societies and a peaceful nation was one that fed and empowered its people.
“Change happens when communities unite and are at peace. AWLN is committed to working with all actors in the space to drive advocacy, shape narratives, and amplify women’s voices for peace, justice, and inclusion,” she stated.
The Chairperson assured AWLN’s commitment to nurturing young women leaders to sustain the Women, Peace and Security agenda for future generations.
GNA
2 Nov. 2025
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong