Queenmothers Platform petitions Mahama Ayariga for National Chamber

The Queenmothers Platform in Ghana has formally petitioned the government for the establishment of a National Chamber of Queenmothers to better integrate their roles into the country’s traditional governance and national development strategies. A delegation comprising 18 paramount queenmothers met with Minister Mahama Ayariga to present their proposal, arguing that a dedicated national body would provide the necessary structure to support their work in vital sectors such as healthcare and education. The initiative seeks to give queenmothers a unified voice and ensure their contributions are formally recognized within the national governance framework.

During the meeting, Manye Amponsah Dokua III, the president of the Queenmothers Platform, emphasized that while queenmothers have historically played essential roles in their communities, they currently lack a formal national institution to facilitate their work. She highlighted their ongoing contributions to health advocacy, education, and conflict resolution, noting that a national chamber would enhance their legitimacy and improve resource mobilization. The delegation clarified that the proposed body is not intended to compete with existing traditional male leadership structures, such as the National House of Chiefs, but rather to complement them by focusing on areas where queenmothers have unique influence.

Minister Mahama Ayariga expressed his support for the initiative, acknowledging that empowered queenmothers are essential partners in national progress. He noted that formalizing their involvement in governance would bring a necessary perspective to addressing societal challenges and could lead to more inclusive development outcomes. The petition marks a significant step toward institutionalizing the influence of female traditional leaders in Ghana. Moving forward, the Queenmothers Platform is expected to engage in further consultations with government stakeholders to define the legislative and administrative frameworks required to bring the National Chamber to fruition.