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The Ghana Women Awards held its 15th edition in Accra last Sunday where women across various sectors were awarded for their contributions to society.
Since its inception in 2009, the event, organised by the Brein Consult, aims to celebrate the success of women's excellence and celebrate women and mothers for the roles they play in society.
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the occasion also served as a platform to launch the Ghana Women Awards Foundation (GWAF)’s 'Mother and Child Care Fund’, aimed at supporting mothers and newborns detained in hospitals due to unpaid medical bills.
Addressing attendees in a speech delivered on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Peprah, the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Major General Matthew Essien, emphasised the need for affirmative action on gender equality.
He noted the importance of enhancing women's economic empowerment and called for stronger legal frameworks to promote women’s rights.
Major General Peprah also stressed the vital role financial services, vocational training and microfinance institutions play in supporting female entrepreneurs.
The speech also addressed persistent challenges to gender equality in Ghana.
“Despite legislative frameworks such as the 1992 Constitution and the Domestic Violence Act of 2007, cultural norms and traditional practices continue to reinforce gender stereotypes and discrimination," he stated.
He cited issues such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy as significant barriers to the education of girls, particularly in rural areas.
The speech also noted the emphasis and need for community engagement, awareness campaigns and the involvement of men as allies in the fight for equality.
“Educating both men and women on the benefits of gender equality can shift cultural perceptions and challenge traditional norms,” he added.
The ultimate award of the night, the Legendary Woman of the Year, went to the CEO of Linda Dor, Belinda Doris Arkorful, while famous actress Grace Omaboe, popularly known as Maame Dokono, gospel duo, Tagoe Sisters, the CEO of Jandel, Afi Amoro and the CEO of Silverline Productions Hajia Hawa Meizongo received honorary awards.
From the private sector, Belinda Naa Odey Amarteifio was awarded the Outstanding Female HR Executive, Rev. Dr Colleen Opoku-Amuaben, Outstanding Female Pastor and Philanthropist; Linda Asong of Lyran Collections, Outstanding Female Fashion Designer; Therestella Obosu Tei-Kwabla, Most Promising Lady and Linda Vasnani won the Corporate Woman of the year.
Other awardees included the COO of Conship Ghana Limited, Thelma Otuko Doku, Outstanding Female Architect; Deloris Frimpong Manso (Delay), Outstanding Female Media Personality, Beatrice Spio Garbrah, Outstanding Journalist and Wendy Asiamah Addo, popularly known as Wendy Shay, emerged as the Outstanding Female Entertainer.
In the Public sector category, the Outstanding Female Officer of the Ghana Armed Forces went to SWOII Logah Patience Ablah; the Outstanding Female Prisons Service Personal was received by DOP Gloria Essandoh, while Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo took home the Outstanding Nurse.
The Outstanding Female Fire Service Person went to DCFO Doris Lamptey, while the Outstanding Female CEPS Person was received by Assistant Commissioner Adjei Odi Christiana.
The Outstanding Female Doctor went to Dr Ama Kyerewaa Edwin, while the Outstanding Midwife award was received by Dr Ernestina Asiedua.
The Outstanding Female Immigration Persons went to Deputy Commissioner Edith Penelope Arhin.
