By Kamal Ahmed, GNA
Odumase-Krobo(E/R), Oct. 27, GNA – The Manya Krobo Traditional Council has honoured Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Yokama 2026 in recognition of her achievements and contributions to national development.
The honour was conferred on her by Nene Sakite II, Konor of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, during a mini durbar at the forecourt of the Konor’s Palace at Odumase-Krobo in the Eastern Region.
The ceremony formed part of the annual Ngmayem Festival, which celebrates the culture and traditions of the Manya Krobo people.
Yokama is a traditional honour bestowed on accomplished women who have demonstrated hard work, excellence and significant contributions to society.
Nene Sakite II, who is also President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, said the initiative was established 23 years ago to recognise hardworking women and inspire younger generations, particularly adolescent girls, to pursue leadership and excellence.
He explained that the recognition was not restricted to women from the Manya Krobo Traditional Area but extended to accomplished women across Ghana.
The traditional authority, he noted, hoped to extend the honour to distinguished women internationally in the future.
Nene Sakite II stated that the title reflected the traditional understanding of women as powerful, influential and gifted individuals who played essential roles in sustaining families and society.
He added that the first Monday of October during the Ngmayem Festival season had been designated as Yokama Day to celebrate women whose professional achievements, dedication and service set them apart.
Describing the Vice-President as hardworking and accomplished, he said her contributions to Ghana made her deserving of the recognition.
In her remarks, Professor Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the important role women played in community development and called for stronger institutions and greater opportunities to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
She highlighted government measures to promote social protection and gender equity, including the Social Protection Act, Social Protection Regulations and Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations.
She said the frameworks were intended to strengthen institutional accountability, expand opportunities and improve support for vulnerable individuals and households.
However, she stressed that their success would depend on collective efforts to ensure effective implementation.
The Vice-President also highlighted the proposed Women’s Development Bank, which seeks to improve women’s access to finance, and the Free Sanitary Pads Programme, intended to address barriers to girls’ participation in education.
She urged young people to remain committed to education, develop their abilities and make informed decisions about their future.
“Education, discipline and access to opportunities were essential to preparing the next generation for meaningful participation in society,” she said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang thanked the traditional leaders and people of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area for the honour, describing the celebration as important to preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage and strengthening the commitment to education, equal opportunities and community development.
The Yokama celebration forms part of the annual Ngmayem Festival observed by the people of Manya Krobo.
GNA
Edited by D.I. Laary/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Kamal Ahmed
Reporter Email: [email protected]