By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R) April 25, GNA – The All Regional Queenmothers Association has called for greater inclusivity in decision-making at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The Association, a unifying body of Queenmothers from various traditional areas across the country, made the appeal during a courtesy call on the Gender Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, in Accra.
Speaking at the engagement, Nana Otubea II, President of the Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, emphasised the need to amplify the voices of women leaders within traditional governance systems.
She expressed concern about the marginalisation of Queenmothers in decision-making processes, noting that the Constitution of Ghana recognises their role and should ensure their equal participation.
Nana Otubea II stated that the active involvement of Queenmothers in governance could contribute significantly to resolving chieftaincy disputes and fostering a more inclusive and representative system.
Naa Adole Ablade I, President of the Ga State Queenmothers Association and Greater Accra Regional Organiser, also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and urged the Ministry to recognise the contributions of Queen Mothers to national development.
She noted that Queenmothers play key roles in community mobilisation, conflict resolution and the promotion of girl-child education, yet are often excluded from critical policy discussions.
Mama Afi Agboba IV, President of the North Tongu Queenmothers Association, also made a passionate appeal for inclusion in the school feeding programme.
She suggested that during any expansion of the programme, including at the Free Senior High School level, the Ministry should allocate slots to Paramount and Divisional Queenmothers.
According to her, such opportunities would empower them to better support vulnerable groups, including widows and children, within their communities.
In response, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Nartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, acknowledged the critical role Queen Mothers play in community leadership and grassroots development.
She said the Ministry recognised their influence in shaping social norms, promoting gender equality and supporting vulnerable groups. Adding that their inclusion in governance structures was essential to achieving sustainable development outcomes.
Dr Lartey assured the Association of the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional women leaders, noting that steps would be taken to institutionalise regular consultations and dialogue platforms.
She explained that the Ministry would work towards creating structured mechanism that would allow Queenmothers to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation, implementation and monitoring of social intervention programmes.
The Minister further indicated that the Ministry would review the proposal on the school feeding programme and explore practical ways of integrating Queenmothers into community level implementation, particularly in areas such as monitoring, beneficiary identification and public sensitisation.
She gave the assurance that the Ministry would prioritise inclusivity and ensure that the perspectives of Queenmothers are reflected in national development policies going forward.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade