Nana Amba Eyiaba honoured at Change Awards
The Queenmother of Effutu in Cape Coast, Nana Amba Eyiaba I, has been recognised for her pioneering role in women empowerment, philanthropy and social advancement at the Change Awards ceremony held in Cape Coast last Sunday.
Nana Amba Eyiaba I, who is also the Krontihemaa of the Oguaa Traditional Area, born on February 18, 1950, as Eunice Amba Amoah, is a prominent Ghanaian traditional leader, educator, and a retired public servant.
She is a noted advocate for the rights of women and children, recognised for her instrumental role in elevating the status of queenmothers in Ghanaian governance.
She has served on various institutional governing boards, including the Graphic Communications Group Ltd., the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board and the Mental Health Authority Board.
A citation accompanying the award said: "Her advocacy for women's empowerment and involvement in decision-making processes has inspired countless individuals, fostering a culture of inclusivity and progress".
Awards
The awards ceremony, organised by the Betty King International Ministries, headed by Rev. Betty King, was to honour outstanding individuals making a profound impact in the lives of many in the community and beyond.
This year, the organisers awarded two remarkable individuals, Nana Amba Eyiaba I and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Essuman Enterprise and Head Pastor of Lord-Done Ministries, Rev. Charles Kofi Essuman Mensah.
Rev. Essuman Mensah was recognised for his outstanding philanthropic works, which had impacted many vulnerable people in society.
The ceremony also recognised five exceptional nominees, including a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast North Constituency, Barbara Asher Ayisi; an Associate Professor and Head of the Sociology and Anthropology Department at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), with strong work in gender advocacy, Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro; the Head of the Counselling Unit at the Cape Coast Technical University, Dr Esther Boham; a philanthropist, Charity Dodoo, and the Deputy Central Regional Director of Education, Harriet Idun Oduraa Sagoe.
Additionally, a youth excellence award was bestowed upon Esther Ntiriwaa Obeng, a graduate from the University of Cape Coast, for her outstanding contributions to the lives of youth and to the organisation of 'The Cry Africa', an annual event by Betty King International Ministries.
The event was graced by the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, and the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Cape Coast, George Justice Arthur.
Acceptance
Nana Eyiaba, in her acceptance remarks, said there was a need for intentional partnerships that would promote societal cohesion, growth and well-being for all, especially women, children and the vulnerable.
She emphasised that a society that did not honour its heroes was not worth sacrificing for and advised institutions and the government to honour their heroes and heroines.
Nana Eyiaba particularly urged women to commit to hard work and relentlessly pursue their goals and aspirations, saying women must be determined to shatter the ceiling and chart the path for younger women and girls to aspire for greater heights.
Rev. King, for her part, said the award, which was the sixth, was to honour selflessness and encourage others to put community above self.
She gave an assurance that the ministry would work towards attracting investments to the area.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta commended the recipients for their dedication to their community and societies and congratulated them on their well-deserved recognition.
