Mr Adamu Bening Yakubu, the Sissala East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has underscored the importance of more empowerment of rural women to achieve food sovereignty and community resilience.
Mr Yakubu made the call when he represented the Sissala East Municipality at the Nimaru Festival held at the provincial capital of Sissili in Burkina Faso.
The festival, which was held under the theme: “Rural Women and Food Sovereignty Building Community Resilience Through Agriculture, Livestock and Civic Engagement”.
The festival brought together government officials, women’s groups, and development partners from both Ghana and Burkina Faso to celebrate and promote the role of rural women in food production and sustainability.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Yakubu praised the organisers of the association for the Integrated Development of Women (ADIF-ZIMÉ OSNIE) for creating a platform that highlights women’s contributions to agricultural development.
He noted that rural women were the “backbone of our communities,” whose hardwork sustains food security and local economies.
The MCE emphasised that the festival’s theme aligned with Ghana’s National Gender Policy, which promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment.
He cited initiatives such as the Feed Ghana and women in agriculture programmes as examples of Ghana’s efforts to boost women’s participation in the agricultural sector.
“Our countries can learn from each other by exchanging best practices and collaborating on cross-border initiatives,” he stated.
“By working together, we can foster economic growth, improve food security, and enhance community resilience”, he stressed.
Mr Yakubu further called for increased access to modern agricultural technology, mentorship programmes, financial literacy, and market opportunities for rural women.
He highlighted the potential of digital tools such as mobile banking, e-agriculture, and digital literacy programmes in bridging the gap between rural women and global markets.
The MCE also stressed the need for peace and security to sustain women’s participation in agriculture and cross-border trade.
He urged governments and security agencies from both countries to strengthen collaboration in combating cross-border crimes and ensuring the safety of women engaged in farming and trade activities.
Mr Yakubu commended the resilience and determination of rural women in Sissili and beyond, encouraging them to continue inspiring and supporting one another.
He thanked the organisers, sponsors, and partners for their role in celebrating women’s achievements and promoting sustainable rural development.
“Your resilience and determination are the foundation upon which our communities are built,” he said.
His Majesty Leo Pyo Danzwe, the Chief of Leo, stressed on the role of women in society.
He said: “Women are those who feed us. They take care of our home when we are not around. They care for our children till we are back home.”
He called for continuous peace between Ghana and Burkina-Faso.
Tumu the capital of the Sissala East Municipality shares border with Ghana’s northern neighbour Leo, which is 18 kilometres between the two countries.
GNA
