Empowering women key to equality, overall development

Empowering women is a strategic move towards the attainment of equality and the overall development of Ghanaian society, Vice President, Prof Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman has said.

According to her through innovations such as the Direct Aid Programme (DAP), women and the marginalised in Ghanaian society are being empowered.

The Vice President said this on Tuesday, when the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, visited her to officially congratulate her on her new role and discuss issues of mutual interest to Ghana and Australia.

Prof Opoku–Agyeman noted that through innovations such as DAP, women and the marginalised in Ghanaian society are being empowered.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang was in awe of the huge interest and investment made by the Australian government in the country, which traverses mining, agriculture, industry, and community empowerment.

She commended Australia’s mining expertise and called for sustainable practices that align with Ghana’s developmental goals. “Our new administration is keen on partnerships that prioritise environmental protection and community development,” she said, emphasising the potential of joint ventures.

On her part, Ms Owen-Jones celebrated the historic rise of Professor Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female vice president, describing it as a great feat in the fight for equality and women’s empowerment.

She noted that many women and girls across the country and beyond would be inspired by the outstanding achievement of Professor Opoku-Agyemang, who is also an accomplished educationist.

During the meeting, the two distinguished women exchanged knowledge on their respective countries’ plans for gender equality and climate change.

Berenice Owen-Jones said the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in Ghana was one initiative that was being used to empower women and ensure the growth of Ghana’s agriculture sector.

The initiative, she said, would foster collaborative research and innovation in agriculture, supporting the government’s mechanised farming agenda and efforts toward food self-sufficiency.

The High Commissioner also highlighted Australia’s significant mining investments in West Africa, valued at $30 billion, with Ghana hosting a substantial share.

She expressed enthusiasm about Atlantic Lithium’s upcoming project in Ghana, pending parliamentary ratification of its mining license. The project promises to generate over 900 direct jobs for Ghanaians, boosting local economies.

By Spectator Reporter