The Biakoye Queen Mothers Association inaugurated

Tapa-Abotoase (V/R), July 31, GNA - Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa, Volta Regional Minister, on Friday urged traditional leaders to lead their people in making informed political choices as part of the development strategy at the local level.

He said even though the 1992 Constitution forbid Chiefs from participating in active party politics, the same Constitution grant them voting rights, which is relevant to the development of their areas. Mr Owusu-Yeboa was delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the Biakoye Queen Mothers Association at Tapa-Abotoase in the Jasikan District.

The association made up of Queen mothers from Nkonya, Bowiri, Tapa, Worawora and Apesokubi traditional areas, is under the chairmanship of Nana Afrifa II, Queen mother of the Tapa traditional area.

The Association is aimed at soliciting financial support for women to make them economically self-reliant, reviving communal spirit among women, foster unity and promote good health for women.

Mr Owusu-Yeboa said traditional rulers could make meaningful contributions to national development without necessarily identifying themselves with particular political parties.

He advised the Queen Mothers to guard against falling prey to any ethnic-based social or political programmes, which could result in discrimination and hatred and instead unite the people for development. Mr Owusu-Yeboa commended Ghanaian women for their unique role in contemporary civilization and socio-economic development, and urged the Queen Mothers to work hard for the realisation of the objectives of the association.

Nana Afrifa said the Association would address problems that affect the development of women.

She said plans were underway to promote and sustain all dying cultural and traditional norms and values in the traditional areas noting that, "any cultural revival that ignores women would fail."

Dr Kwabena Adjei, Member of Parliament for Biakoye, urged the Queen Mothers to seek donor and local assistance to facilitate the operation of the association.

Mr Solomon Donkor, Jasikan District Executive, appealed to traditional rulers to educate their people on the National Health Insurance Scheme and other topical national issues.