Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized the need to build a Ghana where every girl has the freedom to dream, the power to achieve, and the support to excel.
According to her, women have always been instrumental in Ghana’s development, making significant contributions in business, education, governance, healthcare, and innovation.
She noted that despite these contributions, many women still face systemic barriers that limit their opportunities and hinder their progress.
In her message to mark International Women’s Day, celebrated under the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” she highlighted the need to reflect on both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
While Ghana has implemented policies and initiatives to empower women, she stressed that there is still much work to be done.
She cited the Women’s Development Fund as a key initiative under the current John Mahama administration providing financial support to female entrepreneurs, helping them expand their businesses and contribute to economic growth.
She also acknowledged the impact of affirmative action policies in increasing the representation of women in leadership and governance, creating opportunities for more women to participate in decision-making at the highest levels.
However, she emphasized that gender disparities still exist, particularly in education, employment, and access to resources.
She explained that many women continue to struggle for equal opportunities, face discrimination in the workplace, and lack access to financial capital for business ventures.
She stressed that achieving true gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a national imperative.
She urged government institutions, businesses, civil society, and individuals to work together to create an inclusive society where women and girls can thrive. She called for stronger laws to protect women from discrimination and gender-based violence, more investment in women-led businesses, and expanded educational opportunities for girls, especially in STEM fields.
According to her, empowering women will not only transform individual lives but will also boost national development by unlocking the full potential of half of Ghana’s population.
She reaffirmed her commitment to gender equality, stating that Ghana must accelerate action to ensure that every woman and girl can dream freely, achieve their goals, and receive the support they need to succeed.
By: Maame Efua Kwaduah
