A member of the Volta Region New Patriotic Party (NPP) Campaign Committee, Barbara Quashigah has asserted that her party’s 2024 manifesto was tailored to empower and uplift women.

She explained that the manifesto which anchors the campaign of the NPP Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia contains critical policies and programs aimed at breaking barriers women face in society, especially in politics and attaining leadership roles.

Speaking at the Volta Regional Women’s Wing Conference and Campaign launch in Ho, she entreated women from the country to vote for Dr. Mahamudu as the next President of Ghana to enable him to implement his proposed programmed and policies to empower them.

Madam Quashigah outlined that the “Women in Diplomacy” programme was formulated to change the perception of women being stereotyped as too emotional, less decisive, and not tough to occupy leadership positions.

She said the would not only see appointed to leadership positions at the national and international levels but would also inspire young females to aspire for greater future.

“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said in his manifesto that he will pursue a 'Women in Diplomacy' program for Ghanaian women to take more leadership roles in international organizations, another golden opportunity for us to exhibit our ability to lead”, she said.

She further indicated that the next NPP government under the leadership of Dr. Bawumia is envisioned to ensure women can access resources to establish and expand their businesses.

Madam Quarshigah said that Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund (WoTEF) was designed to help women access collateral free funding to inject into their businesses to enable the generate enough revenue to support them in other ventures such as education, politics, among others.

“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in his manifesto noted the idea to establish a Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund (WoTEF) to support women-owned businesses. In this way it is easy for women to gather funds to handle their affairs because by supporting her business you are in turn supporting her career in politics”, she said.

She indicated that this coupled with the appointment of women to key government positions under the administration of Former President Kuffuor and President Akufo-Addo proves that the NPP believes in empowering women.

“President Kuffour appointed Georgina Wood as Chief Justice. The Nana–Bawumia Administration however did much more in this regard by appointing Sophia Akuffo, and later Madam Tokonu as Chief Justices.”

“It was the NPP that appointed the first ever female Chief of Staff – our mother; Frema Osei Opare who has served with distinction for 2 straight terms."

“The appointment of many other women into key ministerial positions, state institutions, and MMDAs. One that stands out is our resilient mother – Hon. Usla Owusu who is doing wonders at the Ministry of Communication which is one of the very difficult ministries which men couldn’t even survive. So, when we talk of women's political empowerment, it’s the NPP”, she stressed.

Madam Quashigah entreated women to continue work for the NPP, as it would always prioritize the well-being, development, and empowerment of women in all spheres of life.

“My fellow women, let me take this opportunity to now tell you the truth that must be our pride for sacrificing for the course of the NPP. There is no political party in our history that has respected and promoted women than the NPP”, she concluded.