Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has admonished leaders across the globe to take decisive and transformative steps to promote gender equality and empower women on the world stage.
Speaking at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing, China, President Mahama said Ghana remains committed to building a more inclusive society where women play an active role in national development.
Touting the nation’s efforts in ensuring women ascend the decision-making hierarchy in the country, the President listed several policy interventions undertaken to ensure Ghanaian women are not left behind.
He said the country’s commitment towards women is exhibited in his selection of a female running mate who is now the Vice President of the Republic.
He stressed the need to focus on safeguarding the gains made by women and other vulnerable groups since the Beijing conference 30 years ago, in an environment he describes as unpredictable.
“The African woman is particularly vulnerable and I wish to use this platform to call on my colleague African leaders to focus on the welfare and empowerment of African women. Mr. President, gender equality is not just a matter of justice, it is a driver of sustainable development,” he reemphasised.
He further highlighted that investing in women is the right way to go, citing the Ghana experience. “When women thrive, families prosper, communities are stronger and nations progress. Our experience in Ghana confirms that investing in women yields measurable dividends in terms of productivity, innovation and social cohesion. And so, as we look to Beijing plus 30, I call on all governments and partners to move beyond platitudes and commit to transformative action.”
The African Union Champion for Gender and Women’s Empowerment additionally urged the gathering to “ensure that this milestone becomes a turning point, one that accelerates the realization of gender equality and women’s empowerment all over the world.”
“Together we can make the next decade one of bold progress and shared prosperity for women and girls worldwide,” he intimated.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, organised by the UN and held in Beijing.
While in Beijing to champion women’s empowerment, President Mahama and his delegation will also focus on strengthening Sino-Ghanaian ties and investment.
He is set to hold talks with the President of China, Xi Jinping, who is hosting the Forum, to strengthen the ties between the Asian giants and the West African nation.
Aside from his meeting with the Chinese President, John Mahama will also interact with the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Li Qiang.
He will also meet with Chinese business leaders and host a Presidential Investment Forum, expected to bring Ghanaian businesses, their Chinese counterparts, and investors together to explore opportunities in Ghana.
President Mahama, who is accompanied by the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, and officials of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Free Zones Authority, and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, will also visit Fujian Province to meet businesses with a presence in Ghana.
These engagements aim to strengthen the long-standing partnership between Ghana and China and promote greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
