Accra: Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, has called on queenmothers across the nation to become catalysts for development and spearhead socioeconomic growth within their communities. She emphasized their roles not just as kingmakers and custodians of tradition, but as nation builders who promote culture, peace, and human dignity, with a particular focus on women, girls, and children.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Dzifa Gomashie made this appeal during a meeting in Accra with leaders and members of the Ghana National Association of Queenmothers, also known as Unity Queens. The discussions centered on women’s empowerment, development, and addressing violence against women. The Minister highlighted the queenmothers’ longstanding commitment to advocating against female genital mutilation, child marriage, and advocating for the removal of taxes on sanitary products, using their platforms to drive change.
As a member of the association herself, Madam Gomashie emphasized the importance of the queenmothers in promoting Ghana’s 16 regions. She stated, “We want to promote the 16 Regions and what the Queenmothers can do for us is to be the vehicle through which all communications are disseminated amongst our people.” The Minister underscored the significance of Ghana’s culture, tradition, and creative arts as the pillars of the country’s tourism industry, urging queenmothers to champion these elements.
Furthermore, she encouraged the queenmothers to pass on Ghanaian traditions and culture to younger generations. The Tourism Ministry plans to collaborate with the Trade, Education, Local Government, and Chieftaincy Ministries to empower queenmothers to support women and girls in business and education.
Nana Adwoa Ankyaa Awindor, Founder of the Ghana National Association of Queenmothers, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s ongoing support and her appointment as Tourism Minister. She highlighted the association’s pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s social landscape, addressing critical issues such as child marriage, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, human trafficking, and menstrual hygiene.
“Our commitment remains steadfast; we are poised to champion socioeconomic growth, financial empowerment, community development, preserving tradition, and culture to ensure they remain relevant and dynamic in today’s world,” Nana Adwoa Ankyaa Awindor said. In appreciation, the queenmothers presented the Minister with a set of clothes in a silver-laden box, and the Minister reciprocated by donating GhS 5,000 to support the association.