Accra, Ghana, October 28, 2026: Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has received the 2026 Yokama title from the Konor of Manya Krobo, Nene Sakite II, with a call for stronger institutions and opportunities to support women’s participation in national development.

The honour was conferred on October 26 at Odumase-Krobo in the Eastern Region as part of the 133rd Ngmayem Festival, an annual celebration of the heritage and traditions of the Manya Krobo people.

In her remarks, Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the contributions women make to their communities and stressed the need to strengthen the systems that enable them to participate meaningfully in economic and social development.

She also called for collective efforts to ensure that government policies on gender equity and social protection translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Women’s access to finance

The Vice President highlighted the proposed Women’s Development Bank as an initiative intended to improve women’s access to finance and help them expand their economic activities.

Access to funding remains an important consideration for women seeking to establish or grow businesses, particularly those who face barriers in accessing conventional financial services.

She also referenced the Free Sanitary Pads Programme, which aims to address menstrual health-related barriers to girls’ participation in education.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang encouraged young people to remain committed to learning, develop their abilities and make informed decisions about their futures, noting the importance of education and opportunity in preparing them for meaningful participation in society.

Gender equity and social protection

The Vice President also cited the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), the Social Protection Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2521), and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2522) as part of government’s efforts to advance social protection and gender equity.

She said the frameworks were intended to strengthen institutional accountability, expand opportunities and improve support for vulnerable individuals and households.

However, she emphasised that their success would depend on collective efforts to ensure effective implementation.

Her remarks placed responsibility on institutions and communities to help turn policy commitments into practical outcomes for women, girls and vulnerable groups.

Celebrating women’s contributions

The Yokama title is an honour conferred by the Manya Krobo Traditional Council on women recognised for their achievements and contributions to society. Established in 2003, the award forms part of the annual Ngmayem Festival celebrations.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang thanked Nene Sakite II, the Traditional Council and the people of Manya Krobo for the recognition, expressing hope that the celebration would continue to preserve Krobo traditions and strengthen commitments to education, opportunity and community development.