Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has called for greater inclusion and empowerment of Queen Mothers in local governance, describing them as indispensable partners in building stronger communities.
She made the call when she joined the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, at the Ministry’s maiden engagement with Queen Mothers in the Greater Accra Region.
The landmark meeting was held at the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs in Dodowa and brought together Queen Mothers from across the region, the President of the Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Nungua, King Professor Odaifio Welentsi, registrars and officials of the Ministry.
Speaking on the theme “QUEEN MOTHERS: PARTNERS IN BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES”, Hon. Ocloo said the engagement was meaningful because Queen Mothers occupy a unique and influential position within traditional and community structures.
“Our Queen Mothers are deeply connected to families, women, children and the everyday realities of our communities and their voices must therefore be an integral part of our development conversation,” she stated.
The Minister disclosed that discussions at the forum focused on critical areas including economic empowerment, access to MASLOC opportunities, healthcare, skills development and knowledge of chieftaincy laws.
According to her, equipping Queen Mothers with the right knowledge and economic opportunities will enhance their capacity to serve their people and contribute meaningfully to local development.
“I believe strongly that development is most effective when it is inclusive. Our traditional authorities must therefore continue to create meaningful opportunities for Queen Mothers to participate in decision-making,” Hon. Ocloo emphasized.
She also charged Queen Mothers themselves to remain accessible, responsive and committed to mentoring the younger generation.
The engagement comes as Queen Mothers in the region have demanded greater inclusion in traditional decision-making and deliberations on chieftaincy conflicts.
In his welcome address, King Professor Welentsi noted that empowering Queen Mothers goes beyond gender considerations, describing it as essential to good governance, social cohesion and socio-economic development.
Hon. Ocloo reaffirmed the commitment of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to work closely with traditional institutions and women leaders to pursue a people-centered development agenda.
“As Greater Accra continues to pursue a development agenda that puts people and communities at the centre, we will continue to work closely with our traditional institutions and women leaders. When we empower our Queen Mothers, we strengthen our communities,” she added.
