Vice President, Opoku-Agyemang highlights women’s empowerment at Yokama 2026
Story by: Regina Bless
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and gender equity in national development during the celebration of Yokama 2026 in Manya Krobo.
The Vice President joined His Royal Majesty Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, and other traditional leaders to mark the occasion, during which she received the Yokama title.
In her remarks, Professor Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the significant role women play in community development and called for stronger institutions and expanded opportunities to enable them to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
She also highlighted the government’s efforts to advance social protection and gender equity, citing the recent launch of the Social Protection Act, the Social Protection Regulations and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations.
According to her, these frameworks are designed to strengthen institutional accountability, expand opportunities and improve support for vulnerable individuals and households. She stressed that their successful implementation would require collective commitment and collaboration.
The Vice President further highlighted the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank to improve women’s access to finance, as well as the Free Sanitary Pads Programme, which seeks to remove barriers preventing girls from participating fully in education.
She also encouraged young people to remain committed to education, develop their abilities and make informed decisions about their future, emphasising that education, discipline and access to opportunities are essential to preparing the next generation for meaningful participation in society.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang expressed gratitude to Nananom, the Traditional Council and the people of Manya Krobo for their support and hospitality.
She expressed hope that Yokama would continue to preserve the area’s rich cultural heritage while strengthening the collective commitment to education, equal opportunities and community development.