Prayer Conference held to commemorate AU Day

Mrs. Bamford-Addo

The Speaker of Parliament, Mrs. Joyce Bamford-Addo says women in Africa have made impressive strides in the arena of politics in spite of the fact that colonial and post-independent policies of their  have not been favourable to them.  She said in sub-Saharan Africa, women in politics have contributed immensely to society by adding issues such as HIV and AIDS, gender equality and property rights to policy agenda on the continent. 

Mrs. Justice Bamford-Addo made the point in a speech read on her behalf in Accra at the Sixth Mission African National Prayer Conference to commemorate African Union Day.  The prayer conference which is a Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and Parliament of Ghana initiative, focused on continental anointing for innovation, scientific inventions and job creation in Africa.  

Mrs. Justice Bamford-Addo said there is the need to analyze the political scene for gender imbalances, and identity problems that hinder the active participation of women in politics. This will ensure that appropriate solutions are worked out.  She paid glowing tribute to emerging African Women leaders, such as the President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sir-leaf, the Chief Justice of Ghana and herself as the first female Speaker of Parliament in Ghana among other examples across the Continent.  

This she said is testimony of women’s involvement in decision making process in Africa.  Mrs. Bamford Addo, challenged African women to make more strides in meeting new challenges and defend the hard-won gains made so far.  She encouraged women not only to step-up their representations in politics, but also ensure that the increasing numbers translate into positive impact in legislations that would be beneficial to the continent.