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Gender Ministry rallies Queenmothers to achieve 30% women leadership target

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Dr Lartey addressing the queenmothers

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. 

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“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. 

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“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. 

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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

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NPP stages massive “Democracy Under Attack” Demo In Accra

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.

The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.

Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.

Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.

The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.

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He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.

At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.

However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.

Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.

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“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.

According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”

Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.

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“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.

One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.

The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.

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Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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GACL introduces hotline and “mystery shopping” to fight airport extortion

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The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.

The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.

According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.

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GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.

The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.

The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.

GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.

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The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.

It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.

GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.

The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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