News
Ghana makes history with first female Vice President-elect, Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyeman
Ghana has made history by electing its first female Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman. This milestone marks a significant step forward for women’s representation in Ghanaian politics.
This is also a testament to the progress Ghana has made in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment which has the tendency to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in politics and public service.
This historic feat comes at a time that Ghana’s Parliament had passed the Affirmative Action and Gender Equity law which has been assented by the President, a legal document to demand gender parity in Ghana.
Currently, the agenda to increase women’s participation in political leadership is receiving universal support through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5.5 which seeks to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership, and at all levels of decision-making including political, economic and public life.
Women’s representation in political decision making continues to increase but at a dragging pace, years after the Beijing Platform for Action, which remains the world’s most comprehensive agenda for gender equality.
Globally, research by the United Nations Women (UN Women) estimates that men represent 77 per cent of parliamentarians, 82 per cent of government ministers, 93 per cent of heads of government and 94 per cent of heads of state.
Today, it is possible for one to name all of the current female leaders within few minutes, which is why whenever a woman gets to the top of an organisation or political party, it makes global headlines.
Since the nomination of Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman as the running mate of NDC’s flag bearer, many women groups have issued congratulatory messages with many women fan clubs springing up.
In order to pave way for women and girls to enter into politics in the near future, Ghana’s Vice President-elect on Monday reaffirmed her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment and vowed to pave the way for others to succeed in her groundbreaking role.
She said her election as the first vice president in Ghana’s history was not about personal glory but it was about creating opportunity for all.
Prof Opoku-Agyeman said “I know this is a big responsibility, and I don’t intend to travel the journey by myself. You are all part of it. NDC is an inclusive party, and we are demonstrating it in many ways.
“My job was to open the door and it does not end there, actually, that is where the work begins. I will hold the door open. The method is holding the door open so other wish to travel that door is what I’m implying. It is not self-aggrandising positing, it is a position that empowers others”, she said.
Prof Opoku-Agyeman called on all Ghanaian to contribute to the collective goal of improving collective growth particularly for the marginalized and vulnerable in society.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
‘Thousands of Ghanaian women suffering from Obstetric Fistula’
Thousands of Ghanaian women continue to suffer in silence from Obstetric Fistula (OF) due to inadequate access to surgical treatment, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed.
Dr Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA’s Country Representative, disclosed that over the past decade, Ghana has accumulated a backlog of more than 12,000 untreated cases, despite recording an estimated 1,300 new cases each year.
He made the remarks during a visit to the New Times Corporation (NTC) in Accra to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF).
“Only 1,000 repairs have been done in 10 years. That leaves thousands of women isolated, in pain, and excluded from society due to a condition that is both preventable and treatable,” Dr Ochan said.
He stressed the need for greater investment in surgical capacity, public awareness, and partnership, especially with the private sector— to accelerate Ghana’s efforts to eliminate the condition by 2030.
Obstetric Fistula results from prolonged or obstructed labour without timely medical care, causing a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, leading to continuous leakage of urine or faeces. The consequences include stigma, chronic incontinence, and often, the death of the baby.
To help close the treatment gap, the UNFPA is working with health institutions including the Komfo Anokye and Cape Coast Teaching hospitals to scale up surgeries and outreach.
“We must not allow women to suffer lifelong trauma for simply trying to give life,” Dr Ochan urged.
The Managing Director, Mr Martin Adu-Owusu, pledged NTC’s support in raising public awareness and promoting maternal health initiatives.
“We are ready to collaborate with you to ensure that maternal deaths and issues affecting women come down to the barest minimum so that together we can achieve the UN goal to eliminating Obstetric Fistula by 2030,” he said
By Esinam Jemima Esinam
News
Inflated prices of Abaya, Jalabiya on Eid-al-Adha celebration
Muslims in Ghana and all over the world yesterday observed the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
The build up to yesterday’s edition was characterised by a high demand for traditional Islamic attire here in Tamale, leading to a sharp rise in prices.
Checks by The Spectator from the various markets in the Tamale area revealed that prices for popular outfits like the Abaya, Jalabiya, and Kaftan have skyrocketed within the period.
Although there is no prescribed outfit for the celebration, many Muslims in Tamale traditionally choose modest and loose-fitting garments that reflect Islamic values.
Abayas and Jalabiyas often imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria have become particularly the most sought-after attires, resulting in the price hikes.
Currently, prices for men’s attire range from GH₵250 to GH₵800 while women’s outfits are selling from GH₵350 to GH₵1000.
Children’s garments are also not left out of the pricing craze. Bargaining for the youngsters starts from GH₵150.
Hajia Naila Abdul Karim, owner of ‘Cover with Style,’ confirmed a significant surge in sales in the holy month.
“Each day, more than 20 people, mostly women walk into the shop. We also send over 40 parcels daily to customers across the country,” she stated.
She attributed the price increases to the cedi’s depreciation and a recent shortage of Turkish imports, noting that most of her stock now comes from Dubai.
Hamdia Kamil, a loyal customer, shared her experience: “Two years ago, I bought an Abaya for GH₵350. This year, it’s GH₵650. I had no choice because it’s a special occasion and I want to feel good. Still, I hope the dresses are made affordable so others can also celebrate in style.”
At Baby Last Closet in Sakasaka, another fashion outlet, prices for women’s outfits range from GH₵350 to GH₵1,300, while men’s attire goes from GH₵250 to GH₵1,000.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but because it’s Ramadan, many still go ahead and buy,” said the shop owner.
Similarly, Mandy’s Haven at Zogbeli sells exclusively for Eid celebrations, dealing in high-end Abayas, Jalabiyas, and Kaftan materials. Prices there reflect quality and origin, with female attire ranging from GH₵450 to GH₵5,000, and kaftan fabric sold at GH₵200 per yard.
For many, including resident Iddrisu Suale, the holy month remains a sacred period despite the economic pressures. “Things are expensive this year, but I still want to make the day special for my children. I plan to get them Abayas and Jalabiyas from Egypt,” he indicated.
Despite the bustling nature of preparation and the high cost of goods, resident expressed optimism of having a good time in observing the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Story & photos by Paul Dery
