NPP has changed the outlook of the Ghanaian woman - Gladys Asmah

Takoradi, July 7,-GNA-With the promotion of women into higher decision-making positions and the institution of interventions for their empowerment, the outlook of the Ghanaian woman has changed for the better, says Mrs Gladys Asmah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Takoradi. The MP who is also the Minister for Fisheries gave the assurance that the Government's policy to evolve pragmatic programmes aimed at making life more meaningful for the people and women in particular were on course.

Mrs Asmah said these at this year's graduation ceremony of the Department of Community Development Women's Training Institute at Takoradi on Friday that was on the theme: "Make the youth resourceful". Fifty-two girls who have completed a three-year training in catering, dressmaking, hairdressing, needlework, batik tie and dye, home-management and computer studies, among others, were presented with certificates.

Mrs. Asmah noted with pride that, the institute, which she assisted in its establishment more than 30 years ago, has trained many young women who have been able to make it in life from their training at the institute.

Some aspects of the Ghanaian culture continue to hinder women's career achievement in the public sector, she said, and called on women to stand up against challenges that make them subservient in the society.

Mrs Asmah advised the grandaunts to make honesty and hard-work their watchword and to take advantage of policies and interventions put in place by the Government to alleviate poverty especially among women by establishing their own businesses.

Mr. Winfred Edu, Western Regional Director of the Department of Community Development noted that classrooms and other facilities had outlived their usefulness due to the growing number of students and appealed for support that would enable the institute to move to its new site at Anaji near Takoradi.

Mr. Edu announced that the Department would open a technical institute at Essipong near Sekondi in September this year to train boys in electrical installation, carpentry and joinery and masonry. The three-year course, he said, would lead to the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) grade one certificate, and urged the youth in the region to take advantage of the training to acquire vocations.

Mr. Edu commended the headmistress, teachers and staff of the institute for their hard-work and advised continuing students to exhibit a high sense of discipline and learn to be innovative. Mrs. Georgina Baaba Otoo, Headmistress, said the Institute has been carrying out the vision to train the youth to become responsible in the society and called for support to enable it to achieve this mandate successfully.

She said the institute is constraint with insufficient training materials; obsolete machinery and equipment that needed replacement to improve teaching and learning.

Miss Clara Denis, out-going senior school prefect said cordial relationship, perfect understanding and respect among students, teachers and staff contributed to steady improvement in academic work. Mrs Gladys Asmah later opened an exhibition mounted by the final year students. 07 June 07