In a landmark ceremony held in Accra, the All-Regions Queen Mothers Association, a unifying force for Queen mothers from various traditional areas nationwide, has been officially inaugurated.
The association aims to provide a platform for Queen mothers to collectively address challenges faced in their respective traditional areas and advocate for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the President of the association, Nana Otubea II, who holds the esteemed position of Paramount Queen mother of the Nkonya-Ahenkro Traditional Area, emphasised that there was the crucial need for such an association to help amplify the voice of women leaders in the various traditional areas.
Nana Otubea II expressed concern about the marginalisation of Queen mothers in the decision-making process, citing the constitution of Ghana as a tool that should grant them equal authority.
“The men are hiding behind the gendered name ‘Chief’ to sideline us,” she stated.
Nana Otubea II believes that the active involvement of Queen mothers in decision-making could contribute to resolving chieftaincy disputes and foster a more inclusive and representative governance.
The Paramount Queen mother went on to address the challenges faced by Queen mothers when they attempt to voice their concerns. “If you become vocal, you’re threatened with destoolment,” she remarked, shedding light on the obstacles hindering the active participation of Queen mothers.
Nana Otubea II further appealed to the National House of Chiefs for financial support and called for the allocation of funds for Queen mothers to embark on advocacy and educational projects in their respective traditional areas. This financial backing, she argued, would empower Queen mothers to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The inauguration ceremony drew a distinguished audience, with dignitaries including Gifty Joyce Oteng Bosomprah, Deputy Chief Director at the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, H. E Dr. Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission of Diaspora African Forum (DAF), and Nana Ampem Darko III, the acting president of the Nkonya Traditional Area.
Source: GraphicOnline
