The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has pleaded with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to lend his support for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill.
Speaking at the Asanteman Queen Mothers’ Day and Food Fair in the Manhyia Palace in Ashanti Region, Madam Osei-Opare praised Otumfuo’s efforts in fostering greater female participation in governance within the Ashanti kingdom.
“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.
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“Queen mothers are now allowed to attend Asanteman Council meetings, which is a deliberate effort to empower women,” she stated.
Acknowledging Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s influential leadership style, Osei-Opare appealed to him to advocate for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, currently under review in Parliament.
“Nana, your leadership style not only inspires confidence, but also sets a powerful example for the next generation of male leaders to follow,” Frema Opare said.
“I therefore appeal to you, Otumfuo, to add your voice for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill,” she urged.
Touching on the significant representation of the Ashanti Region in Parliament, the Chief of Staff stressed on the potential impact of the monarch’s endorsement. “Nana, 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 added.
She also commended Asantehene for his remarkable 25 years on the Golden stool, touching on his pivotal role in restoring peace not only within Asanteman but across the nation. She commended the monarch’s investment in health, particularly the ‘Heal Komfo Anokye Project’ and the renowned Otumfuo Educational Fund, which aids bright but underprivileged students.
She Acknowledged the significant influence of Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, and praised her for her open-heartedness and continuous support and counsel to all. She revealed her personal commitment to improving the Race Course market, naming it after the Asantehemaa, as a testament to her enduring inspiration.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, advocated for more women participation in political decision making and gender equality.
According to him, in the field of politics, governance etc, women continue to brave the olds to make their contributions count for the building of a democratic and progressive society.
The Asantehene touched on challenges women have to surmount in achieving excellence and “this is frustrating many and limiting the development of their potentials, thus making the nation poorer in varied fields.
By Benjamin Aidoo
