First Lady of Ghana, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has called on Ghanaians to take practical steps to advance gender equality, urging citizens to invest in the growth and empowerment of women and girls across the country.
In a message to mark International Women’s Day 2026, the First Lady encouraged individuals to reflect on how they can personally contribute to achieving equal opportunities for women.
“As we observe International Women’s Day 2026, I encourage every Ghanaian to reflect on what you will Give to Gain gender equality. Will you mentor a young woman starting her own business? Will you advocate for your daughter’s education as passionately as you do for your son’s? Will you support policies that promote equal opportunities in your workplace and community?” she stated.
Mrs. Mahama emphasized that empowering women benefits not only individuals but also families, communities and the nation as a whole.
“Always remember that investing in women brings benefits. When women succeed, families flourish, communities thrive, and the nation advances,” she said.
Drawing inspiration from Ghanaian cultural values, the First Lady referenced an Akan proverb to highlight the need to support women who may have been left behind.
“I am reminded of the profound Akan proverb: ‘Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri’; when you forget something and go back for it, it is not forbidden. Together, we must go back and lift every woman and girl we may have left behind, for in their rise, Ghana rises,” she noted.
She further stressed that supporting women in various sectors—from traders and entrepreneurs to farmers—will ultimately strengthen the country’s economic growth.
“When we provide opportunities for our market women in Makola, mentorship for our young tech entrepreneurs in Accra, or training for our shea butter producers in the Northern Region, we don’t diminish our resources—we multiply our nation’s prosperity,” she added.
Mrs. Mahama also acknowledged progress Ghana has made in promoting women’s participation in key areas such as education, agriculture and leadership.
“I am proud of the progress our country has achieved, including increased interest in and enrollment of girls in STEM education, support for women farmers through cooperative strengthening, and the rise of more women leaders in district assemblies, the corporate sector, and boardrooms,” she said.
Despite these gains, she noted that significant challenges remain, including school dropout rates among girls and limited access to funding for many women entrepreneurs.
“Many talented girls continue to drop out of school, capable women still lack access to funding, and many voices are still missing from decision-making processes,” she stated.
The First Lady also highlighted policy initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for women, including the affirmative Action Bill and plans to establish a Women’s Development Bank under the administration of John Dramani Mahama to support female entrepreneurs across the country.
She concluded by urging Ghanaians to embrace traditional values of cooperation and collective support in advancing gender equality.
“Our mothers and grandmothers gave us rich traditions of communal support through ‘nnoboa’ and ‘susu’. We must channel that same spirit toward achieving true gender equality,” she said.
“Give to Gain! God bless our homeland, Ghana!”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
