By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Sept. 01, GNA – The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG), has urged its leadership to embrace strategic transformation and strengthen its structures to remain relevant and impactful in addressing the changing needs of Muslim women and girls.
Hajia Safura Andani, the National Ameera of FOMWAG, said although the organisation had over the years promoted unity, empowerment, education and service to Muslim women and girls, changing circumstances required a corresponding change in its approach.
She said this at the 2026 National Delegates Conference of FOMWAG in Accra, where she called on the delegates to move the organisation beyond its routine activities, to strategic interventions capable of delivering measurable impact.
Hajia Andani said the main purpose of the conference was to consider and adopt a strategic document to guide the future direction of the federation.
She explained that the document was not merely for approval but represented a commitment to action, setting direction, aligning priorities and guiding decisions at all levels of FOMWAG.
“It will help us deliver greater impacts for Muslim women, our communities and families,” she said.
She emphasised the need for stronger coordination among the national, regional and district structures, saying FOMWAG’s strength laid in its ability to harness its collective efforts.
“We are one federation with a common mission,” she stressed.
Hajia Andani urged delegates to ensure that the adoption of the strategic document translated into concrete action, saying the real work would begin after the conference.
“As we return to our respective regions and districts, let us not carry only a document, but a renewed sense of purpose, stronger commitment and readiness to act,” she stressed.
She said the strategy should serve as a roadmap for transformation within Muslim communities, adding that despite the differences in approaches at various levels of the organisation, members must remain united in their efforts.
The National Ameera also reminded delegates that their work was a form of service and if undertaken with the right intentions, it represented an act of worship.
She therefore urged them to approach their responsibilities with sincerity, unity and determination, and to seek the pleasure of Allah through their service to Muslim women, girls and society.
Sheikh Dr Haruna Zagoon-Sayeed, a religious scholar, urged FOMWAG leaders to become agents of change and to lead efforts aimed at restructuring the organisation.
He admitted that a strategic plan was essential for every organisation that sought to achieve its objectives and described the conference as an important opportunity for FOMWAG to redefine its direction.
“Every organisation that doesn’t have a strategic plan does not know where it is going,” he said.
Sheikh Zagoon-Sayeed observed that FOMWAG had operated over a long period without a strategic plan and needed a change in mindset, approach and focus.
He said the organisation had previously enjoyed a “golden age” during which its voice was strongly recognised in national affairs, but changing times required it to reclaim that relevance.
“We cannot do anything about Muslim women in Ghana without involving FOMWAG. It is not possible,” he stressed.
He urged the delegates to return to their regions and communities as agents of change and begin implementing the new direction of the organisation.
Sheikh Zagoon-Sayeed explained that change often went through stages of loss, doubt, discomfort, discovery, understanding and integration.
He said leaders introducing new ideas should expect resistance from people accustomed to the status quo but should remain committed to their vision.
“Leadership in Islam, what we call Qiyadah, is responsibility. It is responsibility and accountability,” he said.
He further urged leaders to ensure that successful initiatives became embedded in FOMWAG’s systems, so that they could continue even when those who initiated them were no longer in office.
Sheikh Zagoon-Sayeed also highlighted the importance of good manners in building strong communities and commended FOMWAG for its role in promoting girl-child education.
He called on the delegates to embrace change and work collectively to restore FOMWAG to a stronger position in Ghana’s national development.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
01 Sept. 2026
Caption: Pictures Attached
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng
Email: [email protected]