Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has attended the inaugural Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) Women’s Awards. The event, held on September 30, 2026, brought together women recognised for their contributions to national development and leadership across various sectors. The theme of the event was “Breaking Barriers, Building Nations: Celebrating Women in Outstanding Leadership in Ghana.”
In her reflections at the ceremony, the Vice President highlighted the longstanding role of women in Ghana’s development. She noted that women have contributed to the country’s economic and social foundations long before gender equality became a major part of the national conversation. The Vice President also acknowledged her two-decade association with the Academy, making the occasion particularly significant for her.
The Vice President commended the Academy for recognising women making an impact at the grassroots. She stressed that nation-building takes place across all sectors and communities, not just in universities and boardrooms. According to her, Ghana is built in farms, markets, and communities, underscoring the need for inclusive development.
Dr Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the progress made in promoting opportunities for women but noted that more work remains to be done. She cited unequal access to opportunities as a historical challenge that has excluded generations of women from pursuing their full potential. The Vice President also emphasised the need for deliberate measures to remove barriers limiting women’s participation and access to opportunities.
The Vice President cited expanded access to education, gender equity measures, and improved access to finance as important interventions. She mentioned initiatives such as the Women’s Development Bank as crucial in creating greater opportunities for women. Dr Opoku-Agyemang congratulated all the women recognised at the inaugural awards and called for sustained efforts to widen opportunities for women and girls.
The GAAS Women’s Awards aim to celebrate women leaders who have made significant contributions to national development. The event provided a platform for women to share their experiences and inspire others to pursue leadership roles. By recognising these women, the Academy seeks to promote gender equality and encourage more women to take up leadership positions.
Key points from the Vice President's address include the need for collective effort in nation-building, the importance of removing barriers to women's participation, and the necessity for sustained efforts to widen opportunities for women and girls.
Key points
- The Vice President emphasised the historical role of women in Ghana's development.
- The GAAS Women's Awards aim to celebrate women leaders who have made significant contributions to national development.
- The Vice President called for sustained efforts to widen opportunities for women and girls.
