Use Your Positions to Champion Development and Preserve Culture – Dzifa Gomashie to Queenmothers

Queenmothers across Ghana have been called upon to play a more active role in driving socioeconomic development in their communities while safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Dzifa Gomashie urges queenmothers to leverage their influence for
community development and cultural preservation

The Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, urged them to go beyond their traditional roles as kingmakers and custodians of tradition to become nation-builders who promote peace, human dignity, and sustainable development—especially for women, girls, and children.

She made this appeal during a meeting with the Ghana National Association of Queenmothers, also known as Unity Queens, in Accra. The discussions focused on women’s empowerment, development, and the fight against gender-based violence.

Madam Gomashie praised queenmothers for their resilience in advocating against harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and menstrual hygiene taxes.

“As members of this association, we aim to promote all 16 regions of Ghana, and Queenmothers can serve as the primary channel for disseminating information and mobilizing communities,” she stated.

She emphasized that culture and heritage are at the heart of Ghana’s tourism appeal and encouraged queenmothers to take the lead in preserving and promoting traditions.

“Our strength lies in our culture and heritage. As custodians, who better to lead these efforts than our Queenmothers?” she added.

Our strength lies in our culture and heritage - Dzifa Gomashie added

Madam Gomashie also announced plans for the Tourism Ministry to collaborate with the Ministries of Trade, Education, Local Government, and Chieftaincy. These partnerships will empower queenmothers to support women and girls in business, education, and community development.

She further encouraged them to pass down cultural values to younger generations, ensuring that Ghana’s rich traditions remain relevant in modern society.

The Founder of the Ghana National Association of Queenmothers, Nana Adwoa Ankyaa Awindor, commended Madam Gomashie for her unwavering support over the years and congratulated her on her appointment as Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

She highlighted the significant contributions of queenmothers in shaping Ghana’s social landscape, particularly in addressing critical issues such as:

✔ Child marriage
✔ Teenage pregnancy
✔ Drug abuse
✔ Human trafficking
✔ Menstrual hygiene awareness

“Our commitment remains steadfast. We are dedicated to championing socioeconomic growth, financial empowerment, and community development while preserving our traditions and culture,” Nana Awindor stated.

As a token of appreciation, the queenmothers presented Madam Gomashie with a set of traditional clothes, elegantly packaged in a silver-laden box. In return, the Minister donated GH¢5,000 to support the association’s initiatives.

The meeting reaffirmed the crucial role of traditional leadership in national development, highlighting the Queenmothers' influence in empowering communities and fostering progress across the country.