She said access to education plays a crucial role in women empowerment, and has therefore bemoaned the alarming figures of girls of school going age who are out of school, which could adversely impact on their future as adults.

[contextly_sidebar id=”KCEIGFgLQzq7S77IBemEIdbtuLuYs3uv”]“While we fight for greater rights and equality for women in all spheres of life, let us not forget that educating the girl child remains the bedrock of women empowerment. Every woman was once a girl, so an empowered girl makes for an empowered woman,” Mrs. Bawumia stated at the Global Women’s Empowerment event held in Philadelphia, US on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

“The progress made in individual nations is commendable but the global picture leaves much to be desired. According to UNICEF, there are more than 1.1 billion girls in the world today. This is a significant number whose fate should not be left to chance. Without a deliberate effort and policy to help shape their future, the prospects for some of these girls are bleak,” she warned.

There are still 31 million girls of primary school age out of school. Of these, 17 million are expected never to enter school, according to UNESCO. Also, UNESCO estimates that there are 34 million female adolescents out of school while almost a quarter of young women aged 15-24 today numbering 116 million in developing countries have never completed primary school and so lack skills for work; and two-thirds of the 774 million illiterate people in the world are said to be females.

“Let us not take these numbers just as abstract figures. Unfortunately, these figures represent girls and women who bear the brunt of society’s difficulties because they lack the basic skills and the springboard which education provides for their economic and social take offs,” Mrs. Bawumia stated.

She stressed on the need to prioritise girl child education now since that will have a ripple effect on national development.

She said: “Lack of education has a debilitating effect on women empowerment, maternal health, job opportunities, and exposes girls to gender based violence and forced marriages. To illustrate, UNICEF estimates that ‘if all women had secondary education, there would be 49 per cent fewer child deaths. Again, according to UNICEF; if all women had secondary education in sub-Saharan Africa, South and West Asia, child marriage would drop by 64 per cent.

“One of the greatest educationists in the history of Ghana, James Kwegyir Aggrey once said that ‘if you educate a boy, you educate an individual but if you educate a girl, you educate a nation’. Nearly a century after his death, all evidence still points to the fact that prioritizing girl child education, especially in the developing world, does not only empower the girl but it serves as a catalyst for the development of the entire nation.”

Mrs. Bawumia has therefore touted the Free Senior High School Education programme being spearheaded by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, believing it will help break the shackles impeding the progress of women.

“For these reasons, it is imperative that as we champion the cause of women, we should endeavor to shape national policy such as access to education. This is because if the frontiers are opened, girls and women stand to benefit more.

“In many countries, education opportunities exist but because of poverty, girls are often sacrificed. Countries such as Ghana are making some progress in this regard. I am happy to say that the government of Ghana last year made education at the secondary level absolutely free for all children of school going age. This means the government pays for tuition, books, feeding, uniforms and boarding fees.

“Initiatives such as these are not gender biased but from the statistics, it is clear however, that girls would benefit immensely and the standard of living of women will be greatly enhanced in the long run,” the Second Lady told her global audience.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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She said men must be seen as partners instead of competitors “in the struggle” to give women an equal opportunity.

[contextly_sidebar id=”IOetl1oD9q3rT4z1H8Wd5lVz1x4JN3HD”]Speaking at the Global Women’s Empowerment event in Philadelphia, US on Saturday, March 10, 2018, Samira Bawumia Bawumia called on women to stay united with a common front in the fight for gender parity.

“In all of this, let us be mindful of our approach,” she said.

“The quest for women empowerment should not be a war against men. It should not be a competition among women. We stand to win and gain when we work together. Let us see one another as partners in the struggle and not competitors for superiority,” she added.

Samira Bawumia also noted that women can make meaningful contribution to the empowerment drive if they strive at occupying strategic positions in society.

“I will also encourage my colleague women to take up positions of influence where ever you find yourselves. If an opportunity to serve in a public office avails itself, let us grab it and help to shape policy and influence decisions”.

She further encouraged women who have achieved great feats in life to support younger women by serving as role models.

“We cannot talk about women empowerment without emphasizing the invaluable roles of women of industry, the women breaking the barriers in business and entrepreneurship. Women who are economically empowered are in a better position to implement the lofty ideals we espouse about women empowerment.

“I, therefore, urge our distinguished female business executives here present to serve as ambassadors of global change and role models for young women. Use your influence and resources to support policies and agenda that are aimed at lifting up women. In your own way, look out for one another, stand by one another and let us dispel the dangerous notion that women are their own enemies.”

“We are stronger when we achieve the critical mass in politics, industry and every worthy sphere of human endeavor. Let us make the deliberate effort to look out for talented young women who have the potential to rise to the top. Let us serve as their mentors and provide them with the encouragement not to give up on their dreams,” she emphasized.”

“Let us work together to ensure peace and stability of our nations, knowing that girls and women are the worst affected in case of conflicts or social upheavals. Apart from the harrowing stories of sexual violence and the use of women as sex slaves, we are vulnerable in several other ways. Let us not focus only on sermonizing about women’s rights and ignore our participation in leadership and decision making.

“If we have the opportunities, let’s grab them and strengthen the pillars of democracy. Women empowerment should be approached holistically; and with deliberate and sustained effort, we shall celebrate successes day after day no matter how moderate they are, until when we can look back and confidently declare that all women are able to express themselves freely and achieve their dreams,” Bawumia stated.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Speaking at the 68th Speech and Prize-giving day of the T. I Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi,  the second lady, Samira Bawumia, said the government would put in place reforms to enhance the quality of teaching.

[contextly_sidebar id=”C9d4paqjGO0BFHhyTJjT1bW3fVECYtJg”]“The importance of the teacher to education can never be underestimated, that is why the NNP government believes in a teacher first policy. Therefore, we are introducing several reforms in teacher training skill upgrade and improving teaching and learning to deliver quality education outcome for our children,” she said.

She charged the teachers to support government’s initiatives such as the Free SHS policy, and be diligent in their work.

“Be diligent in your dealings with the children and encourage them to take their studies seriously, be effective role models for them because at their impressionable age, how you conduct yourself will have a huge impact on their lives,” she said.

‘Free SHS’

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, launched the Free Senior High School policy on Tuesday, 12th September 2017, with the aim of creating a society of opportunities and empowerment for every citizen.

The Free SHS policy implementation covers the full fees of students who attend public Senior High Schools in the country.

President Akufo-Addo said the policy will ensure that Ghanaians who qualify for SHS are not burdened with financial difficulties.

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By: Farida Yusif/citifmomline.com/Ghana

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The 176 boxes of hand sanitizers consisting of 81 pieces in each box, were distributed among seven Senior High Schools to promote personal hygiene.

[contextly_sidebar id=”KV6UyKkxFhoY6DayAWfINpXoZ1AcgBOd”]The beneficiary schools included the Bolgatanga Girls Senior High School, Navrongo Senior High School, Bawku Secondary Technical Institute and Gowrie Senior High School.

The rest are Zuarungu Senior High School, Tempane Senior High School and OLL Girls Senior High School.

Presenting the items on behalf of the Second lady, was her Personal Assistant Hafizatu Abdul-Karim. She said the items will not only promote personal hygiene but also prevent some communicable diseases.

“The hand sanitizers will promote personal hygiene and also reduce the contraction of diseases like cholera among others. We know in secondary schools not all of them have access to water before going to the dining hall, so if they have sanitizers with them, they can just clean their hands and go for their meals”.

Hafizatu reiterated the quest of the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian project to provide all secondary schools across the country with sanitizers.

Upper East Regional Minister, Rockson Bukhari, urged the beneficiary schools to put the sanitizers to good use.

Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service, Patricia Ayiko, who received the items on behalf of the beneficiary schools, lauded the initiative and gave the assurance that the items will be fairly distributed to the students.

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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Pictures and a video circulating on social media showed Dr. Bawumia taking a stroll with his wife on London’s Oxford Street on Saturday morning.

At a point in the video, which can be viewed here, the Second Family stops to interact with a Ghanaian national who runs over to greet them.

The Ghanaian who ran to greet them has been identified as Christian Asante, a security officer at a Primark store on the Oxford Street.

Dr. Bawumia left Ghana for the United Kingdom last week Friday on medical leave after the Presidency revealed that he had been taken ill earlier in the day, and was undergoing medical tests.

The Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, later added that decision to fly Dr. Bawumia to the UK,  was to ensure that he was kept away from visitors who may disturb his rest and recuperation period.

Prior to these pictures coming out Samira Bawumia offered some assurances concerning the recovery of the Vice President saying her husband was “doing very well” and looking “forward to returning to work soon.”

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Samira Bawumia, in a message thanking well-wishers, said Dr. Bawumia “is doing very well… he looks forward to returning to work soon.”

Dr. Bawumia left Ghana for the United Kingdom last week Friday on medical leave after the Presidency revealed that he had been taken ill earlier in the day, and was undergoing medical tests.

The Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, has since provided some further clarity saying the decision to fly Dr. Bawumia to the UK,  was to ensure that he was kept away from visitors who may disturb his rest and recuperation period.

“When he is in Ghana, people will come from his village; from Walewale, from Gambaga. Wherever he is in Ghana, people will still besiege him to visit him. Even me, I would think that if I don’t go and visit him, he may think that Mustapha didn’t come and see me and etc,” the Information Minister stated.

Clarity on Veep’s condition

The government is yet to indicate the exact ailment the Vice President may be battling with, and this has prompted some criticism with the Minority in Parliament calling for more clarity from the Presidency on the matter.

Speaking on the Floor of Parliament,  the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, criticized the government over its communication of what he described as a “sensitive matter.”

But Mr. Hamid followed this up with a further assurance that Dr. Bawumia will soon return to the country, saying “he [Bawumia] is doing very well. The Chief of Staff and other senior government officials have been talking to him.”

Calls for Bawumia’s health report ‘hypocritical’ – Kyei-Mensah

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, says the Minority’s calls for full disclosure of the medical condition of the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, are hypocritical.

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also described the calls as “preposterous”.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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These include boxes of canolas, disinfectants, monitors, catheter, boxes of NG tubes, suction device, syringe pump, pulse oximeter and minor surgical and OPD equipment.

The donation was done through her benevolent organization called Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Project.

Hajia Samira Bawumia in a brief speech said the TTH is dear to her heart, hence the donation.

The Second Lady reiterated the commitment of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo’s administration to improve the country’s health sector.

The TTH acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Z. Kolbilla, extolled the Second Lady for placing premium on the major health referral facility, serving Northern Ghana and beyond.

Dr. Kolbilla appealed to government to fix the hospital’s myriad of challenges including staff accommodation and hostels for patients’ relatives.

He bemoaned the hospital’s broken down oxygen plant leading to the erratic supply of medical oxygen to patients. He also raised concern about infrequent water supply and shortages of basic consumables.

Dr. Z. Kobila exposed some selfish staff who illegally extort monies from patients and called for a stop to such inhumane practice.

The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Sa-eed, on behalf of the chiefs and people thanked the Second Lady for her kind gesture.

He admonished her to do more since she has the hospital at heart.  Salifu Sa-eed urged management and staff to improve their cordial relations.

Donations to basic schools in Tamale

Hajia Samira Bawumia earlier donated library books to three selected schools within the Tamale Metropolitan Area.

She symbolically handed the donation over to the school heads at the Zogbeli Block ‘A’ cluster of schools.

The second Lady impressed upon the pupils to read wide and work hard to attain higher academic laurels.

She cautioned the school heads against diverting the books for their personal gains, and promised to sustain the donation to promote literacy and as well overturn the falling standard of education in the area.

One of the school heads of the beneficiary schools, Madam Henrietta Yaro, on behalf of her colleagues, commended the Second Lady for the support.

They promised to put the books to good use as they are needed to improve pupils’ reading skills.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Samira Bawumia who has been actively involved in the political campaigns to wrestle political power from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the NPP said she was grateful Ghanaians chose “change”.

She posted via her Facebook account on Saturday that the new government will not let Ghanaians down.

She further called on all Ghanaians to help move the nation forward by supporting the new goverment, deliver on its promises.

See the post below:

‘Akufo-Addo beats Mahama in elections’

John Mahama of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost in his bid to lead the country for a second four-year term to the leader of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo in a historic general election held on Wednesday, December 7.

Nana Akufo-Addo garnered 5,716,026 of total votes cast representing 53.85 per cent while John Dramani Mahama polled 4,731,277 votes representing 44.40 per cent.

‘I’ll be President for all Ghanaians’

Meanwhile, President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo has said that he will be a President for all Ghanaians and will work for the common good of the country. He called on party supporters to be moderate in their celebration and respect the rights of other individuals in the country especially  political opponents.

He further called on all Ghanaian to support him as he leads the country for the next four-years.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Speaking during the NPP’s final campaign rally at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra, Mrs. Bawumia noted that President Mahama had said Ghanaians have a short memory, but she assured the NDC flagbearer that on the day of voting Ghanaians will remember their lies, corruption and disrespect.

Addressing a charged crowd, she outlined some of the scandals that hit the Mahama-led administration like the Smarttys bus branding scandal and the GHc 51 million judgement debt paid to businessman, Alfred Woyome.

“On Wednesday when we take our ballot paper, we will remember eight years of corruption. We will remember SADA, we will remember Woyome, we will remember SUBAH, we will remember bus branding, we will remember all the mine they have appropriated to themselves on Wednesday,” Mrs. Bawumia said.

“When we take our ballot paper on Wednesday, we will remember the arrogance of the NDC government. We will remember their lies. The have insulted doctors, they have insulted teachers, the have insulted nurses, they have insulted ordinary citizens of Ghana for asking them how they are using our money.”

“We will remember the almighty incompetence; they have doubled the interest in four years… we will remember that they haven’t solved dumsor after five years of hardship. We will all of their incompetence and mismanagement.”

Mrs. Bawumia also expressed hope that Ghanaians would remember on the Election Day that Ghana is a great country, one that deserved a great leader like the NPP Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo and vote out the NDC.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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