Queenmothers from across Ghana have presented key national concerns to Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Security and Intelligence, during a courtesy call held at the Parliament of Ghana on Wednesday.
The high-level delegation from the All Region Queenmothers Association Ghana included representatives from the Northern, Savannah, Oti, Volta, and Greater Accra regions. Their discussions centred on national security, youth development, erosion of traditional values, and the need for greater gender inclusion in governance.
Among the major issues raised was the exclusion of Queenmothers from formal peacebuilding structures, despite their influential role in communities. They also expressed alarm over the growing abuse of drugs such as marijuana among the youth, increased violence in local areas, and weakening of lineage-based enstoolment processes in the chieftaincy institution.
According to the Queenmothers, these developments are threatening the legitimacy of traditional authority. “Attempts by Queenmothers to speak against these trends often result in threats of destoolment,” they noted.
One Queenmother highlighted their peacebuilding capacity by referencing their role in mediating the century-long Nkonya-Alavanyo land conflict. “Where traditional and political channels failed, we used our moral authority, emotional intelligence, and community trust to restore understanding,” she said.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings affirmed the critical role of Queenmothers in shaping national peace and security. “If women are left out of decision-making when it comes to peace conversations, you will not truly achieve what you are looking for,” she stated, referencing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women’s role in peacebuilding.
She assured them of her support and cited Article 277 of Ghana’s Constitution, which defines a chief by status and role, not gender. “Queenmothers are chiefs too, and your authority must be respected as such,” she emphasised.
The Queenmothers also appealed for the government to reinforce police presence in their communities and implement economic interventions for youth. “If we create opportunities and jobs for them, they will stay away from harmful habits,” one Queenmother said. Another added, “Empower the Queenmothers economically so that we can also empower the youth.”
The delegation called for the speedy establishment of the proposed Women’s Bank and the improvement of healthcare infrastructure, especially for pregnant women and young children in rural and peri-urban areas.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings reiterated the importance of equity and partnership between men and women in national development. “There should be equity and eventually equality. That is how we move forward as a nation,” she said.
The Queenmothers left the meeting encouraged and committed to working with Parliament and other stakeholders to ensure traditional female leadership is recognised and integrated into Ghana’s peace and governance framework.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
