Governor-Gen. of Canada Enskinned Women's Chief

Golingu (N/R), Dec 02, GNA - The chiefs and people of Golingu community in the Tolon-Kumbungu District have enskinned the Canada Governor-General, Ms Michaelle Jean, "PagaNaa" (Women's Chief). By this title, Madam Jean would preside over the women in the community and has the responsibility of championing their course.

The honour is also to strengthen the bond of good relationship between Canada and the chiefs and people of the Golingu community. Ms Jean was presented with cola nuts, a traditional cloth and ushered into the ground amidst drumming and dancing to symbolize her enskinment.

She danced the "Dumba Dance" a dance designated for royals, which she performed perfectly to the admiration of the people. Madam Jean was at Golingu to inspect a Canadian-funded "Farmer mechanism for extension and research project".

The Presbyterian Agriculture Station, a non-governmental organisation, manages the project.

It is one of several initiatives being implemented by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Food Security Programme for Northern Region.

The project focuses on strengthening the capacities of existing Ghanaian institutions and organisations to improve access to and the use of agricultural information and technology to make agricultural research findings more directly relevant to local farmers.

The station transfers knowledge and technology to families with specific focus on women through a collaboration with the Animal Research Institute and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Among other technologies the project had introduced were improved pens for goats and sheep to reduce the high mortality rate and also helped train local farmers to provide veterinary service. Addressing the durbar, Ms Jean gave the assurance that Canada would continue to support the women to empower them economically. "Several women told me they want to send their children to school to become better people in the future and I wish to assure you that Canada would continue to standby them", she said.

"Working together and mutually putting ideas collectively constitute the best wealth that we can talk of", she added. The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, said the visit was the beginning of promoting a bond of good relationship between Canada and the Northern Region.

The Regent of Golingu, Mr. Abdul-Majeed Adam, expressed his appreciation to Ms Jean for the visit.

Last month, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, advised chiefs to desist from installing foreigners as development chiefs of their communities.