Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated that Ghana’s national progress has historically relied on the collective contributions of women, emphasizing the need to dismantle remaining systemic barriers to equal opportunity.
Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Women’s Awards, held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Nations: Celebrating Women in Outstanding Leadership in Ghana,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reflected on the foundational role women have played throughout the nation’s history.
She noted that long before formal discussions on gender equality commenced, Ghanaian women were actively farming, fishing, trading, healing, adjudicating, creating, and leading communities, thereby establishing the country’s economic and social foundations.
“Our history shows that women have always contributed to nation-building. Yet unequal access meant that generations of women were excluded from opportunities they were fully capable of pursuing,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who has been a Fellow of the Academy for nearly two decades, acknowledged the progress made in female representation while pointing out that significant gaps remain within key national institutions.
She cautioned that denying girls opportunities from the outset restricts the future pool of scientists, scholars, professionals, and leaders.
“Ghana is built in our universities and boardrooms, but equally in our farms, markets and communities,” she said, commending the Academy for extending recognition to women impacting grassroots levels.
Addressing solutions to institutional barriers, the Vice President stressed that deliberate policy actions are required to ensure lasting change. She highlighted key measures, including the expansion of educational access, the implementation of gender equity frameworks, and the provision of targeted financial support through initiatives such as the Women’s Development Bank.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang concluded by congratulating the award recipients and calling for sustained, deliberate efforts across all sectors to broaden opportunities for women nationwide.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
