The Chairperson of the Gender and Children Committee of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, has issued a powerful call for the government and national stakeholders to prioritize financial support for gender-based initiatives across the country.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in commemoration of International Women’s Day {IWD), Hon. Ntoso delivered a statement centered on the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
While she commended the significant strides Ghana has made toward inclusivity, she cautioned that the nation remains at risk of lagging behind in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to education, equality, and justice.
Hon. Ntoso highlighted that women constitute a vital pillar of the Ghanaian economy, contributing across all sectors from agriculture and market commerce to high-level governance and academia.
She noted that while Parliament has successfully enacted landmark legislation, such as the Domestic Violence Act and the transformative Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 (Act 1121), the mere existence of laws is not enough.
She urged for legislative reforms to dismantle remaining systemic inequalities and emphasized that accountability is essential to ensure institutions actually implement inclusive policies.
The MP stressed that gender equity is not a “women’s issue” but a strategic national development imperative.
She argued that when women are economically empowered and educated, poverty declines and governance becomes more responsive.
To move beyond rhetoric, she called on the House to champion bold actions, specifically the prioritization of funding for programs that combat gender-based violence, enhance girls’ education, and provide tangible support for female entrepreneurs.
In a poignant moment of her address, Hon. Ntoso celebrated the resilience of women in public office and highlighted a historic milestone for Ghanaian women in academia.
She paid special tribute to Dr. Mrs. Clara Kowlaga Beeri Kasser-Tee, who recently became the first woman to graduate with a PhD in Law from the University of Ghana School of Law since its 1948 inception.
Dr. Kasser-Tee, who also received the prestigious Mensah Sarbah Award, was cited as a living embodiment of this year’s theme, proving that breaking barriers is possible when rights and justice are pursued with vigor.
Hon. Ntoso however urged her colleague MPs and the nation to turn rights into reality and justice into action.
She reaffirmed that the strength and dreams of every Ghanaian girl are valid, calling for a collective effort to dismantle barriers so that every woman can contribute fully to the nation’s progress.
Other MPs who contributed to the statement called for deliberated Policies in the country to push gender mainstream issues to boost women participation in decision making.
The Full Statement below
Rt. Hon. Speaker, I rise today to deliver a statement in commemoration of International Women’s Day, observed globally on the 8th of March each year. International Women’s Day, championed worldwide by the United Nations, is a moment to celebrate the achievements of women and girls, while reflecting on the progress made and the work that remains in advancing gender equity. It is a day that calls us not only to words, but to renewed commitment and action.
Rt. Hon. Speaker, the theme for this year’s celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, challenges us to accelerate progress towards gender equity and the empowerment of women and girls.
In Ghana, this call resonates deeply with our agenda for gender equity and the empowerment of women and girls. It also aligns with the global development agenda of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4,5,8,10 and 16). Women constitute a significant proportion of our population and play indispensable roles in our homes, communities, public service, agriculture, business, academia, and governance. Ghanaian women, from market women and farmers to entrepreneurs and professionals, continue to contribute immensely to national development.
Ghana’s Parliament has enacted key legislation to safeguard the rights and dignity of women, including the Domestic Violence Act, the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 (Act 1121), and other social protection frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
Mr. Speaker, we acknowledge the strides Ghana has made in promoting gender equity and women’s empowerment. Yet we recognise the persistent challenges that hinder the full realisation of rights and justice for all women and girls – be it access to education, economic opportunities or protection from violence. We call on this august House to once again champion bold actions toward:
1. Legislative reforms to strengthen laws that protect women’s rights and address systemic inequalities.
2. Prioritising funding for programmes that tackle gender-based violence, enhance girls’ education, and support women entrepreneurs.
3. Ensuring accountability by holding institutions responsible for promoting inclusive policies and practices.
Rt. Hon. Speaker, gender equity is not a women’s issue alone; it is a national development imperative. When women are educated, families thrive. When women have access to economic opportunities, poverty declines. When women participate meaningfully in decision-making, governance becomes more inclusive and responsive. Therefore, empowering women is not an act of charity; it is a strategic investment in Ghana’s future.
I also take this opportunity to commend Ghanaian women in public office, including female Honourable Members of this august House, for their resilience and leadership. Their presence in Parliament and other decision-making spaces sends a powerful message to young girls across the country: that leadership is not defined by gender, but by competence, integrity, and service. On this day, Mr. Speaker, I wish to specially celebrate one of the distinguished daughters of our land, Dr. Mrs. Clara Kowlaga Beeri Kasser-Tee, from Manyoro in the Kasena-Nankana District of the Upper East Region. On 10th February this year, she made history as the first woman to graduate with a PhD in Law at the top of her class from the University of
Ghana School of Law since the University’s establishment in 1948, and as the recipient of the prestigious Mensah Sarbah Award for the 2026 graduating class.
Her achievement isn’t just a personal win; it marks significant progress in our fight for rights, justice, and action. Dr. Mrs. Kasser Tee’s success showcases brilliance, resilience, and dedication. Qualities that will inspire countless young Ghanaian girls to pursue their dreams without limits. Her story proves what can happen when barriers are broken down. She truly embodies this year’s theme, where rights are respected, justice is pursued, and genuine actions create lasting change.
Mr. Speaker, let us harness this moment to amplify voices, dismantle barriers and drive collective action. Together we can forge a Ghana where every woman and girl enjoys her rights, has access to justice and contributes fully to our nation’s progress. Let us also turn rights into reality, justice into action for all women and girls.
Happy International Women’s Day to our incredible women out there. Your strength, resilience and contributions matter. Your voice is powerful, and your dreams are valid. Keep pushing boundaries, supporting each other, and breaking barriers.
I thank you for the opportunity, Rt. Hon. Speaker.
Source: Felix Nyaaba//expressnewsghana.com