Women must shape policy, national dev’t – Vice Jane Naana

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has underscored the critical role of women in national development, urging greater inclusion, mentorship, and bold participation in policy formulation.

The Vice President made the remarks when she held a meeting with members of Women in Engineering Ghana at her office on Monday, January 12, 2026, describing the group as an inspiring force demonstrating the indispensable contributions of women to Ghana’s development agenda.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended the association for its efforts and encouraged members to take time to reflect, strategise, and rethink conventional approaches to problem-solving.

She stressed that sustainable national development requires new ways of thinking that deliberately promote inclusivity.

She also praised Women in Engineering Ghana for its strong mentorship initiatives, noting that such programmes are essential in guiding and supporting the next generation of professionals. According to her, early compartmentalisation of children into narrow academic disciplines should be avoided, as it limits creativity and adaptability.

Instead, the Vice President advocated for a strong liberal education foundation that equips young people with critical thinking skills, enabling them to respond effectively to the rapidly evolving demands of the modern world.

Highlighting the role of women across all sectors, Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of women making their voices heard, particularly during policy formulation at all levels of governance. She cautioned against fear becoming a barrier to participation or leadership, emphasising that women’s perspectives are vital and must help shape decisions that affect both their lives and the nation.

The meeting also touched on the importance of language in education. The Vice President noted that teaching in local languages enhances comprehension by linking learning to children’s immediate environments, a practice she said strengthens understanding and builds confidence at an early stage.

The engagement reaffirmed government’s commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of women as key drivers of Ghana’s progress.