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Women in rural communities still ‘landless’despite push for gender equality
Some customs and traditions have prevented hundreds of women from owning lands in some rural communities in the northern part of Ghana. Majority of these women are into agriculture but they do not own any farm land.
At Ligma, a rural community in Savelugu Municipal Assembly in the Northern Region land ownership is one of the biggest barriers where women still cannot legally own or control land.
Even though some of these women have farms and make decisions on ploughing and planting, their husbands have the final say on when and how the final harvest is going to be shared or sold.
Base on this cultural practice, women from various communities come together to work as a group on a piece of land close to a dam.
This type of farming known to them as Contract Farming, where they work on small portion of farm to make money. These women are not only bold enough to start a business venture on their own and support other women on their farms, but they reap a good harvest after planting vegetables.
To them, agriculture is not only a means of trade and a source of livelihood, but is fundamentally associated with their culture. In the hope of making money from their farmlands, some farm owners will be keen on giving some part of their land on a contract basis, while working on other farmlands.
Madam Safiatu Yakubu, a contract farmer, says the practice helps her get more income while taking care of hers.
“I usually get GH¢ 15.00 a day which support me take care of my children in school as well as buy other ingredients to prepare food for my family,” she said.
Madam Dora Haborsutei Torwiseh, Founder of Women for Change, a Non-governmental organisation (NGO) base in Tamale in an interview said, “giving females access to the same resources and education as males could increase food production in the country.
She pleaded with chiefs and traditional leaders to allow female farmers to owe land in order to expand their farming that could provide reliable source of income.
“Without adequate funds for capital investments, female farmers not likely to buy and use fertilizer, drought-resistant seeds, and other advanced farming tools and techniques that increase crop yield,” she said.
Madam Dora again said, when these women are supported it would create steady income opportunities for rural women who are struggling to support their families in the Northern Region of Ghana.
From Geoffrey Buta, Ligma
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
