Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection and promoting gender equity through policies and programmes aimed at empowering vulnerable groups and expanding opportunities for women and girls.
She stated this when she joined the people of Manya Krobo at Odumase Krobo to celebrate Yokama 2026 as part of the ongoing Ngmayem Festival.
The Vice President was honoured with the Yokama title during the celebration.
Addressing the gathering, she said that women continue to play a critical role in the development of communities and stressed the need to strengthen institutions that support their meaningful participation in national development.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted a number of government interventions aimed at advancing social protection and gender equity, including the recently launched Social Protection Act, the Social Protection Regulations and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations.
“These frameworks are meant to strengthen institutional accountability, expand opportunities, and improve support for vulnerable individuals and households. Their success will depend on our collective efforts,” she stated.
The Vice President also spoke about the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, which is expected to improve access to finance for women, as well as the Free Sanitary Pads Programme designed to remove barriers that hinder girls’ participation in education.
“I touched on the Women’s Development Bank, being established to improve access to finance, and the Free Sanitary Pads Programme, which aims to address barriers to girls’ participation in education,” she said.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang further encouraged young people to remain focused on their education, develop their talents and make informed decisions about their future.
“Education, discipline and opportunities remain essential to preparing the next generation for meaningful participation in society,” she noted.
She expressed gratitude to the Konor of Manya Krobo and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Nene Sakite II, as well as the traditional authorities and people of Manya Krobo for the honour bestowed on her.
“I thank Nananom, the Traditional Council, and the people of Manya Krobo. May this celebration continue to preserve our rich traditions and strengthen our shared commitment to education, opportunity, and community development,” she said.
Yokama forms part of the annual Ngmayem Festival celebrations, which showcase the cultural heritage and traditions of the Krobo people while promoting unity and development within the area.
