President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing policies that uplift women and families across Ghana, as the country marked this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.

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In a message on Sunday, May 11, the President lauded the tireless efforts of mothers, acknowledging their sacrifices and the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of the nation, even in the face of adversity.

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"Happy Mother's Day to all the tireless mothers working to build a better future for their children. Many of you encounter various challenges, yet your resilience inspires your children and others in the community,” he stated.

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President Mahama emphasized that the empowerment of women remains a central pillar of his development agenda, asserting that sustainable growth can only be achieved when women and children are given the opportunity to thrive.

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“As we celebrate our mothers today, let us renew our commitment to building a Ghana where every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive. From access to quality healthcare and education to economic empowerment, we will prioritise policies that uplift mothers, women, and families,” he assured.

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He called on the nation to pause and honour the contributions of women who nurture and guide their families daily, expressing personal gratitude to key women in his life.

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“Let's all take a moment to appreciate the incredible women who nurtured us,” he said. “To my wife, Lordina, Vice President Naana Jane, and all mothers, thank you.”

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In a message posted on his official Facebook page on Sunday, May 11, President Mahama revealed that he visited the Vice President, Professor Nana Jane Opoku Agyeman earlier in the day and expressed his delight at her recovery.“She is taking a deserved rest after recovering from illness and looking forward to resuming her duties soon,” the President told Ghanaians.

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As part of his broader agenda to enhance women’s participation in economic life, President Mahama announced plans to establish a National Women’s Bank, aimed at supporting one million women entrepreneurs across the country.

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The bank will offer low-interest loans and financial literacy programmes to help women grow their businesses and access the financial resources they need.

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“The goal is to ensure equal access to credit, particularly in sectors where women have historically faced funding challenges,” the President said, adding that the initiative will form part of a larger strategy to foster mentorship and financial inclusion for women in business.

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Additionally, the government plans to expand access to maternal healthcare and improve educational opportunities for children, while reinforcing social protection programmes to ensure that the contributions of mothers and families are both recognised and supported.

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In a significant legislative stride, President Mahama also pledged full enforcement of the Affirmative Action Act of 2024, which seeks to promote gender equity across all sectors.  He has indicated that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is actively collaborating with all important stakeholders to ensure the Act is fully functional, including achieving the 30 percent target quota for women in political appointments.“I am pleased to report that women currently make up 23.21 percent of all appointments and we are diligently working toward reaching the target set forth in Act 1121” the president stated

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Gender advocacy groups have welcomed the President’s leadership in this area, with organisations like She Leads Ghana calling for greater transparency and ambitious targets, including 50% representation of women in leadership by 2034.

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President Mahama, has consistently championed women’s rights and leadership roles in governance. His message aligns with the growing chorus of voices advocating for increased female representation in decision-making positions across Ghana and Africa.

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This initiative aimed to provide financial support, loans, and resources tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs and businesses, ensuring greater economic inclusion and empowerment at large.

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During the launch of the NDC Women’s Manifesto on September 30, 2024, President Mahama promised to give 30% of cabinet positions to women if he becomes the president of Ghana.

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“Within the first 14 days of my presidency, I will nominate my Cabinet – 30% of whom will be women,” he said.

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The Women’s National Bank, according to Mahama,

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