Elsie Appau-Klu urges women to rise for Ghana as Ezel Foundation honours mothers in Ho

Ghanaian women have been urged to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities and the nation, as the Ezel Foundation joined mothers in Ho to celebrate Mother’s Day.

The celebration, organised by the Ho Central Constituency Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with support from the Ezel Foundation, brought together women, party faithful and community members in Ho.

Chief Executive Officer of Ezel Foundation and Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Elsie Appau-Klu, used the occasion to encourage women to recognise their importance in national development and leadership.

Speaking during the gathering, she reminded women that beyond their traditional roles as mothers, their health, economic empowerment and political participation remained critical to the country’s progress.

“Today is Mother’s Day and we are here to celebrate mothers in Ho Central and particularly in the Volta Region. We want to remind women and mothers that their health matters and their economic and political rights matter,” she stated.

According to her, women remained central to the development of families, communities and the country, and therefore needed to support one another to achieve greater representation in leadership.

She called on women within the NDC and across the country to actively participate in the party’s upcoming branch elections and support female leadership.

“The branch elections of the NDC are coming up soon. I want to encourage every woman who forms more than 51 per cent of the population of this country to stand up and support one another. When women work together, women will be able to lead right and guide right,” she said.

Mrs Appau-Klu noted that women had proven over the years that they could drive positive change in society whenever they were given opportunities to contribute.

Quoting educationist Dr James Kwegyir Aggrey, she said, “When you develop a woman, you build a nation,” adding that empowering women in Ho Central and the Volta Region would eventually strengthen families and national development.

She also used her personal life story to inspire young girls, especially those from rural communities, to remain determined in the face of challenges.

She recounted how she grew up in Sokode-Bagblé, attended Sokode Bagblé LA Primary and JSS, and walked long distances while helping with household chores before eventually rising to hold important national positions.

“By the grace of God, I was able to go to the highest places in education and governance. It is not a limitation to be a girl and it is not a limitation to be a girl from a rural area,” she stressed.

She encouraged young girls to stay focused, prepare consistently and seek mentorship in order to achieve their dreams.

“Preparation and consistency can take every girl far. Believe in yourself, trust in God and work hard because the world is full of opportunities awaiting every girl,” she added.

Mrs Appau-Klu further highlighted the work of the Ezel Foundation and its commitment to supporting women and girls through education and social intervention programmes.

She explained that the Foundation, which is linked to the Ezel brand known for fashion, cosmetology and beauty services, uses part of its proceeds and support from sponsors to empower vulnerable women and support girl-child education.

“Every year we support a girl child. Through my law practice, I also provide pro bono legal services to women and widows,” she revealed.

The Ezel brand, she said, had expanded beyond Ghana with operations in the United States and parts of Europe while promoting Ghanaian culture internationally.

Despite the global growth of the brand, she stressed that giving back to her roots in Ho Central remained a priority because the constituency played a major role in shaping her life.

“I was born in Sokode, I grew up in Sokode-Bagblé and I went to school there. Charity begins at home and this is one of the best places to give back,” she said.

Mrs Appau-Klu urged indigenes of Ho Central and the Volta Region living elsewhere to return home and contribute to the development of their communities.

“When you grow up in a poor village, you should never forget where you come from. Every woman and every man from the Volta Region should remember to come back home and work together for development,” she added.

Ho Central NDC Women’s Organiser, Margaret Akua Dzogbewu, said the event was organised to honour all women and mothers for their sacrifices in nurturing families and society.

She explained that invitations were extended through local radio announcements, encouraging mothers across the municipality to gather for the celebration.

“Honestly, I felt the need to celebrate not only women in the party but every mother and potential mothers because women nurture and educate children,” she said.

She thanked the Ezel Foundation, party executives and supporters for contributing to the success of the programme.

The Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mawutor Agbavitor, who was also present at the event commended women for their continuous sacrifices towards the growth of families, political parties and the nation.

He shared a personal story about how his mother once had to give out some of her belongings as collateral to secure money for his school fees, describing mothers as pillars behind the success of many people.

Hon. Agbavitor urged women to prioritise their health and wellbeing so they could continue contributing meaningfully to society and national development.

He praised mothers for sustaining homes and political structures over the years and encouraged them to continue supporting the development of the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole.