Gender
A ‘bow’ for Ghanaian women at Christmas
Christmas is a festive season celebrated by most Christians worldwide to commemorate the birth of their saviour Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem in Roman- controlled Judea. The birth of Jesus Christ is described in the biblical gospels of Matthew and Luke, but there is no definitive historical evidence for the exact date
The gospels and historical sources do not provide a date for Jesus’ birth, but most scholars believe it was between six and four Before Christ (BC).
His parents Joseph, a carpenter was legally Jesus’ father, but Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived through the Holy Spirit
The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ known as Christmas is celebrated on December 25, but there is no evidence that Jesus was born on that date. Church leaders may have chosen that date to coincide with a Roman festival.
As the season draws closer across the globe, various activities are planned by churches, organisations and families.
In Ghana, Christmas celebrations tend to start around the December 20, lasting till the New Year with lots of activities which go on during the festive period, with the main focus being on people travelling around the country to visit family and friends.
It is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including church services, gift-giving, preparing, sharing and eating of traditional food like fufu with chicken or goat soup, rice and stew or jollof rice.
Church services are held late into the night, featuring dancing, drumming, choir singing, and sometimes a nativity play with people attending in traditional clothing, and then exchange gifts.
In Ghana, during the festive celebrations in homes are mostly spearheaded by women regardless of what they already do on any given day.
Women add extra chores such as buying and wrapping presents, planning and preparing meals in large quantities, attending parties, stuffing food stuffs, decorating the house and ensuring everyone and everything was intact.
Women, both young and old become the pivot around which every home revolves around during festive periods especially Christmas.
All of this time-consuming, behind-the-scenes activities can make the season especially uptight, particularly for women. They do most of the chores at home with the mindset of this is a “me” job, “I am a better multi-tasker,” “so I will just do it.” “If I do not do it, no one will” and so forth. This they do to ensure everyone is ok during the festive season and beyond.
An American Sociological Review found that women reported doing more “cognitive labour” at home than their spouses did – anticipating, identifying options, making decisions and monitoring progress.
Throughout the year, women have demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance, effortlessly juggling their responsibilities at home and in their various workplaces. Their ability to balance these dual roles has earned them admiration and appreciation from all.
At home, women have taken on numerous roles: caregivers, nurturers, educators, and managers. They have ensured the well-being and happiness of their families, often putting others’ needs before their own.
In the workplace, women have made significant contributions across various industries, exceling in fields such as business, healthcare, education, technology, journalism and more. Their hard work, expertise, and leadership have earned them recognition and respect.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including gender biases and societal expectations, women have continued to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities. Their resilience, adaptability, and determination have inspired countless others.
As we celebrate the holiday season, let us take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts of women everywhere. Their selflessness, compassion, and dedication to their families and communities are truly deserving of our recognition and gratitude.
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us also honor the women who have made a positive impact in our lives throughout the year and give them a “bow” of respect, gratitude, and admiration.
The role of women in Ghanaian society is multifaceted and invaluable. They are the backbone of our families, providing love, support, and nurturing to their children and loved ones.
They are also pillars of our communities, contributing to economic development, education, healthcare, and social welfare.
This Christmas, there is the need to honor the Ghanaian woman for her unwavering dedication, resilience, and compassion and celebrate her strength, her perseverance, and her selflessness.
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is important to remember the role of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who embodied the values of love, kindness, and selflessness and draw inspiration from her example and recognise the invaluable contributions of Ghanaian women to our society.
To all Ghanaian women, The Spectator salutes you this Christmas season. May your love, kindness, compassion, and selflessness continue to inspire us all.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Gender
Parents urged to provide moral guidance to help children transition to adulthood
North Hill International School (NIS), a basic school situated at North Legon in Accra has held its 6th Speech and Prize-Giving Day with a call on parents and guardians to provide the needed moral guidance and support for children to become responsible and disciplined adults in society.
The Guest Speaker for the occasion, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State and Government Communication who made the call in a speech read on his behalf, said this stage was crucial for children to learn values that enable them become responsible members of the family unit, their immediate environment and the country at large.
Themed: “Discipline- The bridge between dreams and reality” the event saw 36 learners in total graduating comprising primary and lower secondary.
Master Vielung Kwadwo Bagbin, son of Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, emerged overall best student.
Mr Ofosu said their formative stage was an age where good habits, behaviours and characters were built which lay a solid foundation for their lives.
In an address, the Principal of the School, Mrs Emma Coleman Opoku, said the school reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence as demonstrated by the outstanding performance of pupils in the 2025 Cambridge Checkpoint Examinations.
She described the outcome as result of tireless efforts from passionate teachers, the determination and diligence of pupils and the support of parents.
Over the years, she said, NIS has made remarkable strides in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, consistently raising academic standards and producing outstanding results.
According to her, last year, the school recorded exceptional achievements including ten grade ones with two pupils attaining eight grade ones and another achieving six grade ones.
“Despite these successes, we have observed a decline in interest and enrollment in the GES curriculum,” she said.
The Principal indicated that, after careful examination and in light of current enrollment figures, the school has decided to suspend the GES curriculum temporarily.
On her part, the General Manager of the school, Mrs Bernice Adu Boateng, expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication and professionalism and the invaluable role of parents which has brought the school thus far.
Come September, she said the school would roll out digital boards to complement the use of projectors and desktops in every classroom to infuse the use of technology to enhance facilitator-learner activities.
In a Global Perspective Project titled, “ Acting on Poverty and Inequality “, Year 7 pupils of the school raised an amount of GH₵17,530 to support the cause and donated used personal effects to Potter’s Village.
The Administrator and Human Resources Manager of the school, Mrs. Bertha Boamah Benin, expressed profound appreciation to companies and individuals that supported the event.
By Francis Cofie
Gender
Take control of your financial future …female students urged
Mrs. Janet Acheampong Otoo, Treasurer of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has urged young women to take control of their financial future by embracing literacy, confidence, and purposeful planning.
Speaking at the university’s Financial Literacy Summit over the weekend, she emphasized that “money is power” and that women must be empowered with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.
The summit, organised by the Student Representative Council, was held under the theme “Financial Fitness: Building wealth and securing your future.”
Mrs Acheampong Otoo explained that financial literacy was more than budgeting—”it encompasses saving, investing, and managing debt”.
However, she noted that many women still struggle due to a confidence gap that hinders their ability to create and follow effective financial plans.
“Financial independence is about freedom, confidence, and the ability to pursue your dreams,” she said. “As women, we have the power to shape our own futures and contribute meaningfully to society and family life.”
She encouraged female students to attend workshops, read widely, and avoid impulsive spending on beauty and lifestyle. “Every financial decision should align with your long-term vision,” she added. “Believe in yourself. Lead the charge.”
Joining the conversation, the Municipal Chief Executive of Sekyere South, Mr Evans Amo Twumasi, called financial literacy one of the most overlooked foundations in nation-building.
“In today’s world, the line between economic survival and financial freedom is drawn not by luck but by knowledge and discipline,” Mr Amo said. “Money may be finite, but knowledge is infinite—and financial discipline is the bridge between them.”
He stressed that financial fitness was not just about saving or spending, but understanding the value of a cedi, the cost of each decision, and the power of forward planning. With the right mindset and habits, he said, anyone can achieve economic resilience and long-term success.
Mr Amo urged students to embrace financial education as a tool for personal transformation and national progress. “The future does not belong to those who merely wish for wealth—it belongs to those who plan it, save it, and work for it,” he said.
He also called for policies that strengthen entrepreneurship and youth empowerment and encouraged students to respect money and use it with purpose.
Other speakers included Dr Evans Duah, Dr Prince Gyimah and Prof. Joseph Mbawuni, all lecturers at the University.
From Kingsley E. Hope
