Ghana’s progress depends on women’s contributions, says Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang
Story by: Regina Bless
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang has underscored the significant role women have played in Ghana’s development, stressing the need to remove barriers that limit their access to opportunities.
She made the remarks at the inaugural Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) Women’s Awards, held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Nations: Celebrating Women in Outstanding Leadership in Ghana.”
Prof. Opoku Agyemang reflected on Ghana’s history, noting that long before gender equality became a prominent part of national discussions, women were already contributing significantly to the country’s economic and social development.
She highlighted the roles women have played as farmers, fishers, traders, healers, adjudicators, creators and community leaders, describing their contributions as an important part of the foundations on which Ghana was built.
As a Fellow of the Academy for nearly two decades, the Vice President said the occasion was particularly meaningful to her.
She acknowledged that although Ghana has made considerable progress in advancing opportunities for women, unequal access in the past prevented many capable women from pursuing opportunities in education, science, academia, professional fields and leadership.
Prof. Opoku Agyemang said the representation of women in institutions such as the Academy demonstrates that more work remains to be done.
She explained that denying girls opportunities at an early stage reduces the pool from which future scientists, scholars, professionals and national leaders can emerge.
The Vice President commended the Academy for recognising women making meaningful contributions at the grassroots level, stressing that nation-building takes place not only in universities and corporate boardrooms but also on farms, in markets and within local communities.
She further emphasised that barriers to women’s advancement are not permanent and can be dismantled through deliberate institutional and policy interventions.
According to her, expanding access to education, implementing gender-equity measures and improving women’s access to finance through initiatives such as the Women’s Development Bank are important steps towards creating greater opportunities.
Prof. Opoku Agyemang congratulated all the women honoured at the inaugural GAAS Women’s Awards and called for continued efforts to expand opportunities for women and girls across the country.