Women Mourn Hawa

The Women and Children's Affairs Minister, Hajia Alima Mahama has expressed her sorrow and that of numerous Ghanaian women at the death of Madam Hawa Yakubu, the First Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who died recently in a London hospital.

In a press release, the minister stated that news about the politician's death came to her and others especially women and children with a shock.

Her death, the minister observed is like the fall of an oak tree, adding that “It has come at a time when we are taking stock of contributions of Ghanaian women to national development.”

She stated that the deceased would be remembered in Ghana's history as one who fought selflessly to make a strong point about gender equality.

Continuing, she stressed that Hawa Yakubu demonstrated that it is worthwhile to educate a girl-child to the highest level possible instead of forcing her into marriage.

“You proved to all and sundry that when a girl-child is given equal opportunity to education, she will rise to the occasion and achieve her dreams and contribute effectively to national development,” Hajia Mahama pointed out.

Tracing the history of the deceased, she stated that she started life humbly and rose to become a woman of substance and a strong tower in the political playing field.

On a personal level the minister stated, “You were a big sister to me, you encouraged me to get into politics, you looked for me even when I was temporarily out of the country, and told me all the good things about myself, just to make me feel good enough to run a campaign. You were there in the Nalerigu/Gambaga constituency to fire my campaign in 2000.”

Madam Hawa Yakubu's death has attracted tributes from a broad spectrum of the Ghanaian populace, extolling her good qualities and her contribution towards the enhancement of women.

In a related development, the Northerners and Zongo Concerned Youth Association have joined other Ghanaians in mourning Madam Yakubu.

In a release signed by an executive member of the association, Mr. Halidu Abubakar Galaxy, the group noted that the death of the female politician was a great loss to the Northern and Zongo communities which looked up to her for inspiration.

While consoling the bereaved family, the group recalled how the activities of the deceased and her stature impacted positively on Zongo indigenes and Northerners in the country.

The Concerned Youth recalled the activities of the late Madam Hawa Yakubu and how these enhanced the image of Ghana.

They prayed therefore that her death brings together members of the Zongo and Northern communities, to progress Ghana.

The Zongo and Northerners' Concerned Youth Association saluted President John Agyekum Kufuor for the honour done the Zongo and Northern communities by appointing Alhaji Aliu Mahama as his partner in running the country, noting that “this is the first time that somebody belonging to both the Zongos and the North is holding such an exalted position.”

On this note, they encouraged President Kufuor to ensure a befitting burial for the late Madam Hawa Yakubu.