The Obaasima Foundation has launched its 2026 programme with a renewed call for increased investment in women’s leadership and greater participation of women in decision-making at all levels.
The non-governmental organisation, founded by the Press Secretary at the Office of the Vice President, Ms Ama Pratt, unveiled the theme: ‘Legacy and Leadership: Ghanaian Women Shaping the Past, Guiding the Future,” at a ceremony held over the weekend.
Chairperson of the event, Ms Petra Aba Asamoah, said the foundation had evolved from a bold idea in 2019 into a nationwide movement creating opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds.
She thanked participants for attending the launch, noting that their presence reflected a shared commitment to empowering women and ensuring that every woman had the opportunity to succeed.
Ms Asamoah said the foundation had successfully organised six editions of the Obaasima Summit, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
She explained that the summit had grown into a vibrant platform where women across generations and professions met to learn, network, exchange ideas and inspire action.
According to her, the foundation’s campus tours had inspired many young women in tertiary institutions to take up leadership roles, with several participants going on to become Student Representative Council presidents and other student leaders.
She added that the Obaasima Academy had been established to connect young women with experienced mentors who provided guidance and support while preparing them for leadership and career opportunities.
Additionally, Ms Asamoah disclosed that the foundation had also expanded its outreach through initiatives such as the Obaasima Zongo Dialogues and engagements with market women, ensuring that women in underserved communities and the informal sector were included in conversations on leadership and economic empowerment.
She stressed that the foundation believed that empowerment should reach women wherever they lived and worked, rather than being confined to conference rooms.
Ms Asamoah highlighted the foundation’s advocacy efforts, including its campaign for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads and support for the passage of the Affirmative Action Act.
She said these interventions formed part of broader national efforts, noting that menstrual health equity and equal representation were critical to Ghana’s development.
Looking ahead, Ms Asamoah called on development partners, corporate organisations, policymakers, mentors and sponsors to support the foundation’s work.
Furthermore, she noted that the 2026 summit would feature distinguished speakers from various sectors whose experiences would reflect the diversity, strength and achievements of Ghanaian women.
The summit, she emphasised, would be open to students, entrepreneurs, professionals, politicians, creatives, business executives, public servants and community leaders, as well as anyone seeking inspiration.
Ms Asamoah described Obaasima as more than an event, saying it had become a supportive community where women uplifted one another, celebrated successes and worked together to overcome challenges.
She expressed appreciation to all who had supported the foundation since its establishment in 2019 and called for stronger partnerships to expand its impact across the country.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
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