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Gender Ministry rallies Queenmothers to achieve 30% women leadership target
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
The Ministry of the Interior has suspended the Private Security Organisation licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited with immediate effect.
The suspension follows reports of alleged use of unprescribed uniforms, and unauthorised possession and use of firearms and ammunition by the company’s personnel.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 21, 2026, while they were providing private security services at Kwabenya, Accra.
According to the ministry, preliminary investigations suggest possible violations of the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992, L.I. 1571, which regulate private security operations in Ghana.
The Ministry said the use of unprescribed uniforms, unauthorised firearms, and security accoutrements by private guards constitutes a serious breach with direct implications for public safety.
As a result, Kantanka Security Services Limited has been directed to cease all operations immediately pending the outcome of investigations.
All individuals and institutions are advised to stop doing business with the company until further notice from the Ministry.
The Ministry has also instructed Kantanka Security Services to fully cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and provide all information needed for a thorough investigation.
The Ministry assured the public that the suspension is an administrative measure to protect public safety while investigations continue, adding that appropriate action will be taken after investigations, in line with laws governing private security operations in Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The National Democratic Congress has officially renamed its national headquarters the “Jerry John Rawlings House” to honour its founder and former President, Jerry John Rawlings.
The ceremony took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, as part of activities marking what would have been Rawlings’ 79th birthday.
Held under the theme “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,” the event brought together party members and senior government officials to celebrate his life, leadership, and role in shaping Ghana’s democracy.
President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a commemorative plaque and a bust of the late statesman at the newly named building.
He said the renaming is a tribute to Rawlings’ immense contribution to the NDC and the nation.
“History matters because it teaches people where they came from and inspires the future,” Mahama said.
He described the ceremony as a significant act of institutional memory that ensures future generations understand the sacrifices made to build the party and protect Ghana’s democracy.
Kimathi Rawlings, son of the late President, expressed the family’s gratitude.
“The naming of this headquarters after our dad, Jerry John Rawlings, is far more than a symbolic gesture,” he said.
He called it a fitting tribute to Rawlings’ legacy, values, and sacrifices that continue to influence Ghana’s politics.
The event ended with a cake-cutting to mark Rawlings’ birthday.
Rawlings, who died in November 2020, first led Ghana as a military ruler, then guided the transition to constitutional rule and served as the country’s first President under the Fourth Republic from 1993 to 2001. He remains one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s modern history.
The ceremony which was a moment of remembrance and celebration of his enduring legacy was attended by top party officials, government appointees and NDC faithfuls
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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