'Add Your Voice to the Passage of Affirmative Action Bill' - Chief of Staff Appeals to Otumfuo

Akosua Frema Opare, Ghana’s Chief of Staff, has called on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to add his voice to the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill.

 

During the Asanteman Queen Mothers' Day and Food Bazaar which took place on Monday, 22nd April in Kumasi, the Chief of Staff acknowledged his majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's pivotal role in championing the participation of women in governance within the Asante kingdom. 

 

Commending the Asantehene, Akosua Frema Opare said, “during your reign as Asantehene, we have seen visible signs of more queen mothers being actively involved in the management of the Ashanti kingdom,” she noted.

“Queen mothers are now allowed to attend Asanteman Council meetings, which is a deliberate effort to empower women.”

 

She further highlighted Otumfuo's sterling leadership which has brought transformation to the Asante kingdom and Ghana at large, appealing to him to lead the advocacy for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill. 

 

Ghana has attempted to enact the Affirmative Action Bill since 1998 starting with the Affirmative Action Policy guidelines which was meant to promulgate an Affirmative Action Law but proved futile. 

 

Over the years, women’s groups and CSOs through coalition building, collective and solidarity actions have pushed for the adoption of affirmative action mechanisms and placed the prime issue of parity in women’s participation as a core demand in their work. 

Currently, the Bill is in Ghana's Parliament for review. 

When the Affirmative Action Bill is passed by Ghana's Parliament, the country will see more women playing active roles within the governance system.

 

Madam Frema Opare said, “Nana, your leadership style not only inspires confidence but also sets a powerful example for the next generation of male leaders to follow." 

 

She further added, “I therefore appeal to you, Otumfuo, to add your voice for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill.”

 

She further noted that, in Ghana's current Parliament, Asante region has a very significant representation emphasising the potential impact of Otumfuo’s endorsement.

She added, “Nana, the Ashanti region has the highest number of MPs in Parliament, as compared to other regions, so your counsel can go a long way to ensure the passage of this Bill."

 

She also commended his Royal majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his remarkable 25 years as the occupant of the revered Golden stool, touching on his pivotal role in restoring peace not only within Asanteman but across Ghana as a whole. 

 

The chief of staff further expressed her gratitude to the Asantehemaa for his visionary leadership in championing the course of proper health care delivery in the region, citing his recent fundraising for the ' Heal Okomfo Anokye Project'. 

 

Acknowledging the significant influence of Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa, Osei-Opare praised her for her open-heartedness and continuous support and counsel to all and sundry. :