The Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nabdam Constituency of the Upper East Region strongly condemns the recent statement made by Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, regarding the 24-hour economy and why men will not leave their wives in such a workforce.
It could be recalled that during the Annual Tenglebgre festival in Sekoti, the Minister reacted to the former President’s 24-hour economy proposal, stating that the proposal was not feasible as “men must return home after work during the day to sleep with their wives at night.”
The women have urged the minister to promptly retract his remarks and issue an unambiguous apology to the women in the area, contending that his comments reduce women to objects of sexual exploitation.
“Our purpose goes beyond seeking a retraction of the statement; it is a collective request for a transformative narrative – one that respects, uplifts, and acknowledges the multifaceted contributions of women in our society.”
At a press briefing held at the NDC office in the area, Madam Leticia Yamga, the Women’s Organizer for the NDC in the Nabdam Constituency, emphasized the need for respect and recognition of the pivotal roles women play in the community and called on the minister to rectify the situation.
“His comment has cast a shadow on these achievements, implying that women are merely objects of sexual exploitation. Such remarks are not only disheartening but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It is concerning that the Upper East Regional Minister did not address pressing matters such as the high unemployment rate in the region and the country but rather chose to focus on the 24-hour economy initiative. This selective attention detracts from the substantive issues at hand.”
“We call upon the Upper East Regional Minister to retract his statement and issue an unambiguous apology to the women of the Nabdam Constituency, Upper East Region, and the entirety of Ghana. Our journey towards gender equality demands a commitment to fostering an environment that respects and values the diverse contributions of women in all spheres of life.”
In conclusion, the Women’s Wing of the NDC in Nabdam celebrates the triumphs, strength, and invaluable contributions of women in the constituency and beyond. Through collective recognition, unity, and a commitment to transformative narratives, they aim to build a society that respects and empowers every citizen, regardless of gender.
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Below is the full release
UTTER CONDEMNATION OF THE UNFOUNDED REMARKS MADE BY THE UPPER EAST REGIONAL MINISTER REGARDING WOMEN AS OBJECTS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION BY THE WOMEN’S WING OF THE NABDAM CONSTITUENCY HELD ON 29TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT THE NDC PARTY OFFICE IN NANGODI
Dear members of the press, esteemed guests, and fellow citizens, we appreciate your presence this morning, despite the short notice, for this important event.
Today, as we gather in the spirit of unity and progress, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our geopolitical discourse. It is important to celebrate the unwavering spirit of women in the Nabdam Constituency and beyond while addressing the unfortunate delusions that have emerged following a recent irresponsible comment made by the Upper East Regional Minister during Our annual Tenglebgre festival in Sekoti.
The comment suggested that “men must return home after work during the day to sleep with their wives at night,” literally reducing women to objects of sexual exploitation. Our purpose goes beyond seeking a retraction of the statement; it is a collective request for a transformative narrative – one that respects, uplifts, and acknowledges the multifaceted contributions of women in our society.
Through this platform, we wish to enlighten the Regional Minister about the skilled and valuable contributions of women in our community towards economic advancement. These contributions merit sincere acknowledgement and extend beyond being mere sources of sexual exploitation. Undoubtedly, the heart of Nabdam resonates with the hard work and dedication of women who, in their agricultural endeavours, not only cultivate the land but also foster resilience, determination, and sustenance for their families. Their meticulous care for crops like millet, sorghum, maize, and groundnuts, coupled with their adept livestock management, reflects a deep commitment to supporting their households and actively engaging in the economic prosperity of our region.
In alignment with the visionary 24-hour economic policy proposed by H.E. John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), these hardworking women serve as the driving force behind a diversified and dynamic local economy. Their commitment to agriculture goes beyond traditional working hours, forming a crucial foundation for the realization of a thriving economic landscape that operates seamlessly throughout the day. As we celebrate the resilience and contributions of these women, we also recognize the pivotal role they play in advancing the goals of the proposed 24-hour economic policy, ensuring sustained prosperity for our community.
Our purpose today is not just to seek a retraction but to promote a narrative that respects and values the multifaceted contributions of women in our community.
We want to highlight the hard work of Nabdam’s women in agriculture, showcasing their dedication to crops like millet, sorghum, maize, and groundnuts. These women play a crucial role in supporting their families and actively contributing to the economic prosperity of our region.
The shea butter processing industry is another example of our women’s commitment to economic diversification. Through their skilled expertise, they transform raw shea nuts into a product that not only supports local markets but also preserves our cultural heritage.
In the bustling markets of Nabdam, our women engage in vibrant trading activities, offering essential goods and services that go beyond traditional working hours.
Their craftsmanship in weaving textiles, baskets, and pottery reflects not only our entrepreneurial spirit but also our commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Moreover, the proposed 24-hour economy, as advocated by H.E John Dramani Mahama, is seen as a helpful initiative. The hardworking women of Nabdam Constituency actively contribute to this vision, serving as the driving force behind a diversified and dynamic local economy.
However, recent comments by the Upper East Regional Minister have cast a shadow on these achievements, implying that women are merely objects of sexual exploitation. Such remarks are not only disheartening but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It is concerning that the Upper East Regional Minister did not address pressing matters such as the high unemployment rate in the region and the country but rather chose to focus on the 24-hour economy initiative. This selective attention detracts from the substantive issues at hand.
We call upon the Upper East Regional Minister to retract his statement and issue an unambiguous apology to the women of the Nabdam Constituency, Upper East Region and the entirety of Ghana. Our journey towards gender equality demands a commitment to fostering an environment that respects and values the diverse contributions of women in all spheres of life.
In conclusion, let us celebrate the triumphs, strength, and invaluable contributions of women in Nabdam Constituency and beyond. Through collective recognition, unity, and a commitment to transformative narratives, we can build a society that respects and empowers every citizen, regardless of gender.
Thank you.
3Y3 ZU ! 3Y3 ZA !
LONG LIVE NABDAM
LONG LIVE NDC
LONG LIVE GHANA
…………………………….
MADAM LETICIA YAMGA
WOMEN’S ORGANIZER
NABDAM
0244853817
……………………………..
MR. JAMES TENGA
COMMUNICATION OFFICER
NABDAM
0244296157
………………………….
MR. ZURE TETTEH
CONSTITUENCY CHAIRMAN
NABDAM
0249512371
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|Ghana
