Minister Salutes Women

Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs, Hajia Alima Mahama, has lauded women’s contribution to the growth of society and the nation.

'I wish to congratulate mothers for the hard work and the manner in which they continue to support their families to ensure the survival of children, who are the future leaders of the country,' she stated.

Hajia Mahama made the commendation at a forum in Accra yesterday in connection with the Mothers’ Day celebration which falls tomorrow, May 11.

Mothers’ Day has been set aside to recognise the contributions of mothers in nation-building as well as the nurturing and training of their children.

The programme, chaired by Madam Ama Busia, a member of the Council of State, was attended by queen mothers, leaders of women groups and other women from a cross-section of the society.

Hajia Mahama said women were gradually making progress in the political and economic spheres of the country, pointing out that women now head important organisations and hold key positions.

She mentioned some of such women as the Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Wood, and Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chief Advisor to the President.

Other organisations headed by women include Ghana Statistical Service, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Medical School.

Hajia Mahama noted that the number of female cabinet ministers have been increased from two to four.

'We now have a total of seven female ministers and 12 female deputy ministers. We have six female chief directors, moving from one to six in November 2002 and more women are now involved in the decision-making process.'

Hajia Mahama said the government, recognising the role women play in the country’s development, set up the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs to address the concerns of women and children, and the ministry, through the Women Development Fund, disbursed GH¢120,000 to 120,000 women country-wide under the micro finance and small loans scheme.

The loan facility which is meant to improve the income of women, has helped to generate employment and reduce poverty among women, especially in the rural areas, she said.

Madam Busia said women deserve to be celebrated for their selfless devotion and commitment to their families and the society at large.

She commended the ministry for introducing the programme to recognise the efforts of women in nation-building.

The women’s groups at the programme appealed to the government to increase the micro finance loan from GH¢100 to about GH¢500.

They also spoke about difficulties they encounter in accessing the NHIS and urged the government to intervene.