Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga
Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, says the journey to equality requires sustained efforts and unwavering dedication.
He, therefore, called for a network that fosters professional and personal growth and the development of every woman, saying, “We can build a society where every woman and girl can live free of discrimination, pursue her dreams, and contribute meaningfully to our shared future.”
Mr. Atanga was speaking on the theme: “For All Women and Girls’ Rights to Equality and Empowerment” at this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, organized by the Women Poultry and Livestock Association (WOPOLA) in Bolgatanga.
IWD is observed annually on March 8 as a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and marks a call to action to accelerate women’s equality.
The Minister said the theme for this year’s celebration was a call to action and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to advancing human rights, ensuring gender equality, and empowering women to reach their fullest potential.
He said: “From bustling markets to farmlands, education to healthcare, and science to technology, women and girls in Ghana and across the world have played pivotal roles in nurturing families, strengthening communities, and driving economic development.”
He expressed concern that despite the immeasurable contributions of women, many still face challenges such as gender-based violence, discrimination, child marriage, limited access to education, and economic disparities.
Mr. Atanga said these barriers must be broken through policy reforms, community support, and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring that women and girls enjoy their full rights. We have made strides in promoting gender-responsive policies, increasing women’s representation in governance, and enhancing access to education and healthcare,” he said.
He further acknowledged that despite the government’s efforts to promote gender-responsive policies, more still needed to be done as a nation.
“It is against this background that the NDC, under its Reset Agenda, wants to establish a Women’s Development Bank as a special-purpose vehicle to support women-owned and women-led businesses with low-interest loans and other tailored financial services on very flexible terms.
“We are also committed to implementing the Affirmative Action Act of 2024 (Act 1121) to ensure gender equity across political, social, economic, and cultural divides,” the Minister said.
Madam Theresa Benedicta Alegmiah, the President of WOPOLA, advocated for women, girls, and the physically challenged to have the right to keep sheep, goats, local birds, guinea fowls, and other livestock.
She said women, girls, and the physically challenged should also be empowered through capacity-building initiatives to engage in animal husbandry as well as food crop and vegetable farming.
Madam Alegmiah said WOPOLA was proud to mark IWD in the region for the first time to support the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection at the regional level.
She called on all stakeholders to partner with WOPOLA to alleviate poverty in the lives of women, girls, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana. She also thanked the management of the Savannah Investment Programme (SIP) based in Tamale for the financial support to organize the event.
