The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has said “like Martin Lutherking, I also have a dream, I dream that one day there will be a woman president in Ghana.”
She made the statement after receiving an honorary doctorate award from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, (UPSA) with former Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Wood and Joyce Bamford-Addo, a former Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament.
The honour, according to the University, was given to the two former leaders for the respective roles they played as women in shaping the nation’s democracy and for the First Lady’s immense role in contributing to empowering the vulnerable in society, especially women and children.
Speaking on behalf of the three, the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, said it was her quest to see people live decent lives that made her establish the Rebecca Foundation to continue with her philanthropic activities for the wellbeing of women and children after becoming the First Lady.
Expressing her felicitation in mounting a podium to receive an honour with the two females who once occupied such prestigious positions, Mrs. Akufo-Addo said it was dream that one day, Ghana will address the head of the Executive as “Madam President.”
“In 2017 when I became First Lady I established the Rebecca Foundation to support the wellbeing of children and women in the areas of health, education and women’s economic empowerment. I have always known that all people want is a decent life so, the desire to ensure women and children have a decent life has been my sole motivation.
“Rewards, recognition and much, our honorary doctorate degrees, were never in my contemplation at any stage of my philanthropic journey. I simply wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who wanted to make a difference.
“It is an honour to be in the company of these eminent women who have made immense contributions to two arms of government –the Legislature and the Judiciary. These are women I both respect and honour.
“It is on record that these two remarkable women, Rt. Hon. Justice Bamford Addo and her Ladyship Theodora Wood have attained the positions of number three and four in this country and have broken the glass ceiling for the women of Ghana. But like Martin Lutherking, I also have a dream, I dream that one day, there will be a woman president in Ghana and the title Madam President would be said as easy as Mr. President. We hope this honour and our humble contribution to our nation will inspire girls to aspire to the very top.” she was hopeful.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to the President for his support throughout her philanthropic journey.
“It has been quite a journey with its challenges and trials, even though my dear husband the President, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo has been rock and greatest cheerleader. His mentorship and inciteful suggestions have presented me with the opportunities to learn and grow. My success is his success as well. I’m truly grateful to my husband,” she disclosed.
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