His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has reiterated the importance of women in politics.
The Asante King noted that women are capable of running the affairs of the state efficiently and must be accorded the opportunity to fully participate in Ghana’s democratic dispensation.
Otumfuo emphasised the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women in Ghanaian politics.
The occasion was a durbar held in honour of women at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, April 22, 2024 for Queen mothers from different Asante paramountcies to display the authentic and organic traditional foods of the Asante people. It was part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Asantehene’s reign.
Otumfuo underscored the need for women to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and commended Asante Queens and women for their significant contributions towards Ghana’s development.
He recounted the story of Rwanda’s High Commissioner during her recent visit to the palace that majority of parliamentarians, as well as members of the President’s Cabinet in Rwanda are women. Otumfuo emphasised the need to replicate the development in Ghana’s parliament and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Asantehene, therefore, called on all political parties to consider women in the forefront of activities because women are influential in decision making and sustenance of the economy.
He further called on appropriate authorities to pave the way for women to acquire leadership positions in order to help the country achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create a more inclusive and equitable Ghana for all.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff, Akosua Fremah Osei-Opare, has appealed to Asantehene for support for the passing of the Affirmative Action Bill, which aims at promoting gender equality and empowering women.
The Affirmative Action Bill is a proposed Legislation that seeks to provide gender parity in Ghanaian politics. The bill aims to increase women’s participation in decision making positions that at least 40% of public offices be reserved for women. The bill has been in parliament for over a decade, but has not received the needed attention for it to become law.
Fremah Osei-Opare, who partook in the food fair at Manhyia Palace, as part of activities marking Asantehene’s 25th anniversary, made the appeal recognising the influential role the Asantehene plays in the region and believes his support could be a game-changer.
She emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving progress for all and explained that the bill would create a more inclusive society and provide equal opportunities for women in various sectors.
She lauded Asantehene for his continuous support to empower women in the Ashanti Region and beyond, which according to her, has made many women to have better stand in society today.
Mrs. Frema Osei-Opare praised Otumfuo for his contribution to women empowerment, health care delivery, education and other socio-economic activities to grow both the local and national economy.
Touching on the traditional food bazaar, the Chief of staff recounted how Ashanti traditional recipes are gradually missing out from the system and proposed that the recipes should benefit the next generation and also help promote local tourism, as visitors might want to try to prepare some of the traditional recipes.
