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Politicising gender-based violence harmful —Dakoa Newman
A Former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms Dakoa Newman, has called for an end to politicising gen der-based violence.
She said it should be “treated as a national emergency.”
According to her, politicising gender-based violence was harmful, as it distracts and deters women from achieving their political dreams.
“Gender-based violence in politics should not be politicised. If we truly want more women to participate, we must address these issues collectively. Some women are tagged with names such as witches, prostitutes just for contesting for elections.”
She said this during an engagement with non-elected women parliamentary candidates organised by Abantu for Development.
The session was on the theme “Strengthening Activism for a Gender-Responsive Elections 2024 in Ghana.”
The ex-MP for Okaikwei South stated that “Standing for election requires courage and sacrifice. As women, we often give up time with our families, our children, and our personal lives to pursue leadership. Whether you win or not, that effort must be recognised.”
Ms Newman noted that losing an election, while painful, should not mark the end of a political career. “It can be a stepping stone to new opportunities in governance and party leadership,” she added.
Recalling her own experiences during the 2024 elections, she stressed that political violence discourages many women from entering politics.
On financing, she urged partners and stakeholders to go beyond workshops and invest directly in women aspirants. “Financing is the number one barrier. Without resources, women cannot effectively compete. Organisations must support candidates with funding, research, and constituency-specific tools,” she emphasised.
Dr Mensah-Kutin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Abantu for Development, revealed that 119 women contested in the 2024 parliamentary elections, out of which 78 did not win their seats.
She stressed that their contributions remained important for shaping future advocacy and strengthening women’s representation.
She also noted that although the Affirmative Action Law was passed in 2024, it came too close to the elections to be fully implemented, making platforms such as this engagement critical in pushing for increased participation of women in governance.
She called for full implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), noting that its 30 per cent quota must be applied strictly across all levels of governance.
The event was supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) which seeks to reflect on the experiences of women candidates during the elections.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
News
At 2025 Sankofa National Prestige Honours …Ken Agyapong adjudged ‘Statesman of the Year’
Mr Ken Ohene Agyapong a flagbearer hopeful of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) was adjudged the Statesman of the Year at the 2025 Sankofa National Prestige Honours held in Accra on Thursday.
The award was in recognition of his role in redefining modern statesmanship through bold leadership, fearless advocacy, and unwavering service to the nation.
This recognition “belongs to the courageous builder, the unapologetic patriot, and the visionary who challenges Ghana to rise higher, even when it’s uncomfortable. You are honoured for redefining modern statesmanship through bold leadership, fearless advocacy, and unwavering service to the nation across political, economic, and social spheres,” a citation accompanying the award read.
Mr Agyapong who was the special guest of honour for the occasion was also presented with a plaque and certificate of honour.
Delivering the keynote address, he called on Ghanaians to return to the virtues of patriotism, honesty, discipline and love in order to rebuild national trust and advance development of the country.
Mr Agyapong said the symbolism of the Sankofa bird, which looked back while moving forward was a reminder that the nation’s future could not be secured without drawing from the wisdom of the past.
“Corruption has weakened trust, division has stolen unity, and short-term thinking has crippled long-term vision,” he stated. “Sankofa calls us now to return not to nostalgia, but to wisdom,”
Mr Agyapong who is also the immediate past Member of Parliament for the Assin Central Constituency, noted that Ghana stood at a crossroads, with an economy under strain, young people seeking opportunities abroad, and politics becoming more about power struggles than progress.
“This is the reality we must face not with despair but with determination. If we are bold enough to acknowledge our challenges, then we are strong enough to overcome them,” he declared.
He identified corruption as one of the country’s greatest enemies, stressing that “It is not merely the theft of money, but the theft of hope. When leaders enrich themselves dishonestly, ordinary citizens lose faith in hard work and in the state’s ability to protect their interests.”
To rebuild Ghana, he said the nation must first rebuild trust, adding that “Trust will come only when corruption is confronted without fear or favour. However, the responsibility did not rest on leaders alone but on all citizens, including traders, teachers, civil servants and students.”
Mr Agyapong urged the youth to resist shortcuts to success and to reject corruption as a norm.
“The egg of Sankofa is in your hands, the future of Ghana depends on your innovation, courage and sense of accountability,” he stressed.
He used the opportunity to express his gratitude to the organisers, stressing that “To the organisers, and to all who continue to believe in my vision, I say thank you. The journey continues, together, we will build a Ghana that works for all.”
News
Donations to August 6 tragedy fund hit GH₵3.57m and US$20,000- Presidency
The Presidency has announced that contributions to the Children Support Fund, created for the welfare of children who lost their parents in the August 6 helicopter crash, have reached GH₵3,576,600 and US$20,000.
The update, issued on Friday, August 29, 2025, said the amount represents donations received between August 19 and 28.
Major donors include Ghana Airport Ltd., ARB Apex Bank PLC, STL Foundation, Olam Agric, Fidelity Bank Ghana, ADB Bank, GLICO General Insurance and the National Insurance Commission.
According to a statement from the presidency issued Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs and Coordinator of the Fund, Dr. Valerie Sawyerr indicated that
individual donors such as Kennedy Hedoe, Peter Adongo, Mensah Michael, Appaul Wiredu Lateef, Samuel Hodalor and Dauda Iddi also contributed.
The Presidency said donations can be made through Stanbic Bank Ghana accounts at the Stanbic Heights Branch, Accra.
It added that cheques and drafts should be addressed to “Children Support Fund 6825,” and noted that names of donors will continue to be published weekly.
The Children Support Fund was set up by government to secure the welfare and education of children affected by the crash.
By: Jacob Aggrey
