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Women in Engineering lauds govt for mass infestation exercise
The Women in Engineering Ghana (WinE), has lauded government’s mass disinfestation and clean-up exercise in markets across the country.
According to the group such proactive actions would ensure the implementation of acceptable and hygienic conditions aimed at making markets safe, clean and well-organised to impact the longevity of the citizenry.
Dr Enyonam Kpekpena, President of the association said this when the group donated assorted Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to traders at the Mallam Atta Market in the Ayawaso Central municipality in Accra.
The PPE which included, Veronica buckets, plastic buckets, nose masks, liquid soap, hand sanitisers and baskets were to support the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which formed part of the GH₵36,000 PPE package earmarked for three markets in the country towards winning the war against the pandemic.
The other beneficiaries were the main market at Ejisu and the Tema Community One market.
According to her, the markets are the refuelling warehouse of every home and the most vulnerable place for the transfer of the virus hence the gesture to support them adhere strictly to the existing protocols to keep themselves and their customers safe from the virus.
“The food that ends up on our tables is from the markets and the earlier innervations are put in place, the better it would be for the collective good of the country,” she added.
Dr Kpekpena, stated that the group which is the women’s wing of the Ghana Institution of Engineering was liaising with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to offer technical expertise on re-engineering the market and urged the traders to observe existing protocols including one meter social distancing yearning of nose masks, frequent washing of hands constant use of hand sanitisers to stay safe from the virus.
She urged for more stringent enforcement of sanitation laws, frequent clearing of chocked drains, and creation of new markets and the prevention of traders from selling on the pavements.
The president of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, Mr Alex Ayeh said the virus has become a bother and appealed to the traders to ensure that their customers adhere to the existing protocols to be free from the disease.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Mohammed Quaye, commended the group for the gesture and urged other philanthropists to emulate their example to support the country frontline staff from contracting the pandemic.
The Mallam Atta Market Queen, Nana Asafoanye Ogbedei, commended the group for the gesture and charged other spirited Ghanaians to support the effort of the assembly.
By Lawrence Vomafa-Akpalu
Empowering women is not merely an act of goodwill but a strategic investment in national development, the Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has said.
According to her, when women are given opportunities to participate fully in leadership and decision-making, the nation benefits from a broader pool of talent, ideas and perspectives.
In a message to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the resilience, achievements and invaluable contributions of women to national development, urging them to take pride in their role in shaping the country’s progress.
The Vice President said Ghana’s theme for this year’s celebration: ‘Giving to Gain,’ reflected deliberate efforts being made to promote women’s participation in leadership and governance.
She explained that the intentional effort to ensure women constituted at least 30 per cent of government appointments recognised the important role women played in national development.
According to her, when women served as ministers, led key public institutions and contributed to policy formulation at the highest levels, the country benefited significantly.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that expanding opportunities for women should go beyond government institutions.
She said sectors such as business, academia, civil society, the creative industry and faith-based organisations would also benefit greatly from increased participation of women in leadership.
The Vice President, therefore called for continued support for initiatives that promoted gender equality and women’s empowerment across all sectors of society.
She also commended Ghanaian women for their resilience and dedication and wished them a happy International Women’s Day.
By Spectator Reporter
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WOMEN in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) successfully held the African Women’s Health and Wealth Conference (AWoHW) with a call for research and investment into women’s healthcare.
It also called for robust financial systems and encouraged women to generate wealth as well as prioritise their health.
The conference held at the Shippers House in Accra on March 5, was on the theme: ‘Championing Inclusive healthcare and finance systems for African women and girls.’
Speaking on behalf of Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Sabia Kpekata, Programme Officer at the Ministry, said financial inclusion remains one of the most critical pathways to women’s empowerment and achieving sustainable development.
According to the minister, it is for this reason that the government continues to support initiatives that expand access to affordable credit, strengthen women-led enterprises and build financial literacy.
“Women must sit at the policy table where budgets are approved, health priorities are set, and economic policies are designed. This is why the ministry calls on all stakeholders to push for the effective implementation of the Affirmative Act,”
• Sabia Kpekata addressing the gathering
she stated.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, noted that many women suffer from mental health issues as a result of health financing, adding that, “this is why President Mahama has initiated the Accra Reset to tackle issues relating to women.”
On her part, the convener, Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, explained that, “Today is not just a conference – It is a declaration. It is a declaration that African women and girls will no longer stand at the margins of systems that determine their health, their wealth, and their future.”
According to her, it is a declaration that sustainability is not a slogan for them, rather, it is a strategy, a commitment and a promise.
The Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod Jewellery, Getrude Emefa Donkor, said saving alone cannot make one financially sound, adding that investing and having other sources of income was the best way to go.
WiSA is a Coordinating Pan-African Organisation that works with other CSOs, NGOs, Corporate Institutions, local and international development organisations and individuals to bring all women, men, young people and women groups together to foster the achievement of the SDGs across Africa
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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