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Gender Minister outlines plans to promote women, children’s wellbeing
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the wellbeing of women and children across the country to impact national development.
Outlining bold initiatives including advancing women and children’s rights, commitment to gender equality, child protection and social welfare issues to reducing vulnerabilities to the barest minimum, the Minister called for multistakeholder support to achieving that.
She gave the assurance when she engaged some female journalists from selected media houses in Accra last Thursday.
The meeting was to strengthen media collaboration in amplifying women’s voices in the country while addressing challenges facing women and children in line with realising the Minister’s vision for the sector.
Underscoring the pivotal role, journalists play in shaping public perception and influencing policy advocacy, Dr Lartey said the media had the responsibility to push for a better ecosystem for Ghanaian women and children to thrive.
“I recognise the critical role women play in shaping public discourse but when it comes to women’s issues or gender, it is important to look out for those who can make the voices of women well articulated on issues so that together, we can build the Ghana we want to see which is why this meeting is important,” she explained.
The Minister indicated that as a matter of priority, the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act passed by parliament last year would be accelerated within her first 120 days in office.
She disclosed plans to also push for the Social Protection (SP) Bill to enhance Ghana’s social protection framework, offering stronger support to vulnerable populations.
Dr Lartey announced plans to decentralise the School Feeding Programme, increasing the current grant from GH₵1.50 to 2.00, to improve the quality of food given to children.
“We will ensure that if you cannot feed it to yourself or your children, you don’t feed it to others,” she emphasised.
Furthermore, Dr Lartey pointed out an intended partnership with other agencies and sector ministries to improve the economic empowerment of women as well as persons living with disability in the country.
In the area of gender-based violence, the Minister called for amendments to the Domestic Violence Act to enhance its effectiveness, announced plans also to establish shelters across all 16 regions of the country to provide safety and protection for survivors of abuse.
Veteran journalist and Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, Dr. Charity Binka, on behalf the journalists, congratulated the Minister on her appointment, pledging the unwavering support of colleagues to her and the Ministry in championing gender equality and social protection in Ghana.
By Abigail Annoh
News
President Mahama confers with Niger Head of State
President John Mahama continued his visit to West African states in pursuit of Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of good neighbourliness.
On Sunday, he travelled to Niamey, Niger to hold talks with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
The two leaders held closed-door meetings and later an expanded bilateral meeting with their delegations in the presidential palace.
A communique issued after the engagements confirmed that discussions focused on enhanced security cooperation in the Sahel and West African region to combat terrorism, improved and unimpeded trade between the two countries, and strengthening bilateral ties.
President Tchiani raised the need for collaboration and recognition of the Alliance of Sahel States by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with President Mahama emphasising the need for greater collaboration to fight terrorism, which threatens not only the Sahel region but also countries further down towards the coast.
Mr Mahama used the occasion to thank his Nigerien counterpart for sending a delegation to his inauguration on January 7, 2025, noting that Ghana and Niger have for many decades cooperated in the areas of trade as Ghana imports many agricultural products from Niger.
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Stonebwoy’s electrifying London concert : A Story of Resilience and Triumph
London came alive as one of Ghana’s finest musical exports, Stonebwoy rocked thousands at the Up and Running Tour concert held at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
The show opened with Stonebwoy emerging in silhouette form, standing atop a riser.
The shadowed figure created an air of mystery, leaving the crowd eager to see the man behind the shape.
As the opening notes of his song “Hero” filled the venue, the lights dramatically revealed him now fully visible — wearing a striking ensemble that told a deeper story.
Stonebwoy’s attire was no accident he wore a tattered jacket, Rick Owens pants and Balenciaga footwear adorned with chains.This look wasn’t just fashion; it symbolized resilience.
The torn clothes represented the negativity, criticism, and adversity he’s faced as a visual metaphor for the attempts to tear him down.
The chains further amplified this, reflecting the weight of judgment and challenges placed upon him.
Despite it all, there he stood proud, powerful, and still standing tall as a hero for his people.
The transition into up and running set:
In a powerful shift, Stonebwoy’s second set began from the upper level of the crowd, this time dressed in pristine white.
This transition was a statement no matter how much negativity is thrown his way, no matter how hard people try to break him, he remains true to his purpose: uplifting and inspiring his fans.
His presence among the crowd symbolized his unwavering connection to the people, a reminder that his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs are all for them.
