The Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema-Osei Opare has praised the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his contributions towards women empowerment.
The Chief of Staff was full of admiration for the Asantehene, for his role in bringing more women to the table.
Among others, the Chief of Staff cited that, since ascending the royal throne, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has ensured that more Queen mothers are actively involved in the management of the Ashanti Kingdom.
“For instance, Queen mothers are now allowed to attend Asanteman Council meetings, which is a deliberate effort to empower women,” she said at the Asanteman Queen Mothers’ Day celebration held in Kumasi.
She averred that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s leadership style not only inspire confidence but also sets a powerful example for the next generation of male leaders to follow.
The Chief of Staff appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to add his voice to the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, which is currently before parliament.
She observed that “Nana, Ashanti region has the highest number of MPs (47) in Parliament, as compared to other regions, so your counsel can go a long way to ensure the passage of this Bill.”
She also commended His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his successful 25-year reign on the Golden Stool, adding that his effort in restoring peace, not only in Asanteman, but also in the Kingdom of Dagbon and other parts of the country is commendable.
“You have also won great admiration for your significant investment in health, for instance, the ‘heal Komfo Anokye Project’ and the famous Otumfuo Educational Fund, which is already supporting brilliant but needy students.”
The Chief of Staff also lauded Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa, for always opening her doors to all persons and for her constant advice and encouragement to all manner of persons who come into contact with her.
“You are noted for your kind heart and fair, firm and accommodating personality. It is because of your motherly love for me that has inspired me to personally commit a substantial amount of money to the concreting of the muddy floors and reconstruction of the burned Race Course market to improve the market environment.
“Upon completion, this market, which is named after you, will certainly bring dignity to your name and enhance trading activities at the Race Course market,” she said.
Touching on the role of Queen mothers, the Chief of Staff pointed out that they have major roles to play in the development of our nation.
According to her, Queen Mothers have over the years played a critical role in safeguarding our tradition and engendering change in every facet of our community.
In the Ashanti kingdom, she noted, the role of females is seen in the matrilineal inheritance system, as all of us take our roots from our mothers, and that Queen mothers are virtually determinants of who is the right heir to the stools.
“In terms of dispute resolution, Queen Mothers are often seen as the final source of wise counsel. As the common phrase goes, ‘y3nko bias abrewa’.
No doubt, Queen Mothers are inherently bestowed with infinite wisdom, to show the way even when there seems to be some difficulty in settling disputes. Thus, Queen mothers are highly indispensable and the real custodians of the Ashanti kingdom.”
She mentioned that this silver jubilee durbar of Queen mothers creates a unique advantage for queen mothers and women, as it demonstrates their resolve to strengthen women’s participation in traditional governance, especially among the young.
She urged them to continue to advocate for a deliberate effort for more women in all facets of national discourse, at all levels of management in the public sector, religious organisations, schools and private sector organisations, among others.
