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African Women Lawyers Association seeks collaboration with Gender Ministry
A delegation from the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), led by its Chairperson, Madam Christine Lartey, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
The visit aimed to formally introduce the Association to the new Minister and explore possible areas of collaboration to promote gender equality and women’s rights.
Discussions during the meeting focused on several critical issues, including the need to ensure that laws passed in Ghana are gender-responsive and inclusive.
The delegation also raised concerns about the increasing use of social media to harass individuals, particularly women, and emphasized the urgent need to address this growing form of digital abuse.
One key issue raised was that of surrogacy—specifically, the need to develop a policy to streamline or guide its practice in the short term, ahead of a comprehensive legal framework for long-term regulation.
The meeting also addressed the enforcement and review of the Interstate Succession Law, violence against women, and the vulnerabilities of kayayei (female head porters), especially their exposure to abuse and exploitation.
AWLA further proposed that the Domestic Violence Fund be adequately resourced to support survivors of abuse and to strengthen institutional responses to gender-based violence.
The need to advance the passage of the Property Rights of Spouses Bill was also emphasized as crucial to protecting the economic rights of women, particularly within marriage and family settings.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey expressed her appreciation to AWLA for their consistent advocacy on gender-related issues and their willingness to partner with the Ministry.
She assured the delegation that the Ministry would work closely with AWLA to follow up on all the points discussed.
In particular, she announced that the Ministry would form a joint team, in collaboration with AWLA and other stakeholders, to develop a draft policy framework on surrogacy and the empowerment of kayayei.
The Minister further reiterated government’s commitment to promoting gender equity and ensuring that all Ghanaians, especially vulnerable women and children, are protected under the law. She also pledged the Ministry’s readiness to deepen stakeholder engagement for sustained impact.
Also present at the meeting was the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah.
![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-400x240.jpg)
![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-80x80.jpg)
![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.
