Naa- Amorkor Shika Futru I (left), Amartse We Manye of Asere, exchanging pleasantries with Theophilus Yartey, Editor, Graphic. Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY

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Women’s empowerment, development my goal — Naa Amorkor Shika Futru

Delali Sika Oct - 09 - 2024 , 10:03

The Queenmother of Asere-Amartse We of the Ga State, Naa-Amorkor Shika Futru I, has expressed her commitment to empower the youth, particularly girls, and also foster the overall development of the Ga State through communal engagements.

"I am determined to create a brighter future for young women, and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive," she added.

The queenmother explained that empowering the next generation was crucial in ensuring sustainable development of the people and communities.

Naa Shika Futru made the pledge in Accra on Tuesday [Oct 8, 2024] when she called on the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, and the editorial board of the Daily Graphic at the head office of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, in Accra.

Visit

Her visit was to express appreciation to the company for its support, and also explore ways of deepening collaboration for the accelerated development of the Ga State.

She was accompanied by the Stool Public Relations Officer (PRO), Benjamin Amarquaye; Faana Djaasetse, Nii Ashong Amartey Nkpa II; Stool Secretary, Babinton Borquaye; Principal Elder, John Commey Otoo, and Stool Assistant PRO, Emmanuel Amarquaye.

The team was welcomed by the Head of Human Resources, Graphic Communications Group Ltd, Dela Bonsu; the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey; the Head of the Foreign Desk; Mary Mensah, the Head of the Gender and Health Desk, Becky Duho; the Assistant Editor, Graphic Business, Charles Benoni Okine, and Editor of Graphic Digital, Enoch Darfah Frimpong.

Others present were the Deputy News Editor, Mike Quaye; acting Deputy Photo Editor, Edna Salvo-Kotey; the Chief Sub-Editor, Zakaria Alhassan; the Regional Page Editor, Edmund Smith-Asante, and Digital Services Manager, Graphic, Francis Osabutey.

Discussions

Among issues discussed were changing the mindset of the youth, skills training for girls, mentorship, scouting for role models, training of more Ga teachers, among others.

Naa-Amorkor Futru said she was open to more ideas and suggestions on ways to empower the youth, especially, girls to attain their goals in life.

"I plan to visit three schools in the community to identify key challenges and put together a summary report on how we can start engaging them.

“By prioritising dialogue with educators and students, it will create tailored solutions to address specific needs of our community," she added.

Naa-Amorkor Futru expressed concerns over some of the challenges young girls face in the communities from negative influences of their peers.

“There’s one of them that joined this bad gang but gradually she is back to the house trying to cook food and sell somewhere.

“For someone like that, the best you can do is maybe put her in skill development like sewing or hairdressing. These are some of the things I am seeking to do,” she said.

The queenmother also said that she was ready to partner firms and organisations that could help equip the youth with vocational training.

“Doing this will equip girls with practical skills that can lead to financial independence and a better quality of life.

“So, I want to say a big thank you to all for your support. I believe that once you do things genuinely with a good heart and the right mind, you will be led, and that is what has gotten us this far,” she added.

Commendation

The Editor, Graphic, Mr Yartey, commended the queenmother for her dedication to empowering the next generation.

“We are privileged to have her as a leader in our community. Her passion for development and education is evident, and it aligns with our mission at Graphic to promote initiatives that uplift the youth,” he said.

Mr Yartey also highlighted the critical role of good leadership, saying “it is very key to us at Graphic because we believe that we find ourselves in a place where we serve the interests of the nation. “And so when we see a good leader, someone who is championing a good cause, we want to support”.

He assured Naa-Amorkor Futru of offering her space in the newspaper to amplify her message and initiatives.