The Ghana Girl Guides Association held an induction ceremony for its newly elected executives and regional commissioners on Saturday at its premises in Achimota.
The event, which brought together members of the National Council, outgoing and incoming executives, and other dignitaries, was graced by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie.
In her keynote address, Hon. Gomashie, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, emphasized the importance of empowering young girls and nurturing them into responsible leaders.
“To the young girls present today: Start writing your history now because it will define your future,” she urged.
She applauded the outgoing executives for their dedication and encouraged the new leadership to carry forward the legacy of the association. Hon. Gomashie also highlighted the significance of structured mentorship programmes in Ghana, noting that such organisations play a vital role in leadership development.
“Too often in this country, we are quick to criticise one another, forgetting that in other societies, structured systems are in place to groom individuals for leadership. In Ghana, we have very few such systems, but I am grateful that we have the Girl Guides Association,” she stated.
A highlight of her speech was the recognition of a major advocacy victory by the association—the removal of the tax on sanitary towels and the allocation of GH₵292 million by the government for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools.
“This is indeed a monumental step forward in the fight against period poverty,” she remarked. “Coming from a rural area, I know firsthand how many young girls miss school every month simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads. For me, this initiative is a really big deal.”
Hon. Gomashie pledged her continuous support for the association and urged the newly inducted executives to remain committed to their mission. She also extended an invitation to the organisation to collaborate with the 40 women currently serving in Parliament.
New Leadership Sets Agenda
Madam Janet Adu Gyamfi, the newly inducted Chief Commissioner of the Ghana Girl Guides Association, expressed her enthusiasm for the future of the organisation.
“Our main objective is to train young girls to become responsible citizens by helping them develop their potential and skills,” she explained. “By equipping them with education, literacy, and STEM training, we ensure that in the future, they become responsible, financially independent individuals.”
She emphasized that her leadership would focus on youth empowerment and improving the association’s infrastructure.
“My predecessors made progress, and my executives and I will continue their efforts to ensure long-term benefits for all members,” she said.
First Deputy Chief Commissioner Rich-Love Avor, who has been with the association for 16 years, also reaffirmed her dedication to making an impact.
“In Girl Guiding, we do more than just train individuals; we inspire them and instil confidence in them,” she stated. “Through our programmes, we have positively influenced the lives of many young women.”
Mrs. Avor further appealed for financial support from sponsors, noting that expanding their impact requires adequate resources.
