First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to invest more in women and girls, stressing that the country’s development is closely tied to the success and empowerment of women and girls.
In a message to mark International Women’s Day 2026, the First Lady stressed that supporting women is not only a matter of fairness but a strategic investment in Ghana’s growth and prosperity.
Quoting the theme “Give to Gain,” Mrs Mahama encouraged individuals, institutions, and communities to take practical steps toward achieving gender equality by mentoring young women, promoting equal educational opportunities, and supporting policies that expand opportunities for women in the workplace and society.
“I encourage every Ghanaian to reflect on what you will give to gain gender equality. Will you mentor a young woman starting her own business? Will you advocate for your daughter’s education as passionately as you do for your son’s? Will you support policies that promote equal opportunities in your workplace and community? Always remember that investing in women brings benefits. When women succeed, families flourish, communities thrive, and the nation advances,” she stated.
“I am reminded of the profound Akan proverb: ‘Se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenkyiri’; when you forget something and go back for it, it is not forbidden. Together, we must go back and lift every woman and girl we may have left behind, for in their rise, Ghana rises.”
According to her, creating opportunities for women across different sectors helps expand Ghana’s economic potential rather than diminish national resources.
“When we provide opportunities for our market women in Makola, mentorship for our young tech entrepreneurs in Accra, or training for our shea butter producers in the Northern Region, we don’t diminish our resources, we multiply our nation’s prosperity.”
Mrs Mahama acknowledged the progress Ghana has made in advancing gender equality.
“I am proud of the progress our country has achieved, including increased interest in and enrollment of girls in STEM education, support for women farmers through cooperative strengthening, and the rise of more women leaders in district assemblies, the corporate sector, and boardrooms.”
“Yet there is still more to be done. Many talented girls continue to drop out of school, capable women still lack access to funding, and many voices are still missing from decision-making processes. The Affirmative Action Act has created opportunities, and initiatives such as the Women’s Development Bank by the Mahama administration will support thousands of female entrepreneurs across our country.”
She further encouraged Ghanaians to draw inspiration from traditional community support systems such as nnoboa and susu, which encourage cooperation and shared prosperity.
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