The Forgotten Plight of Fulani Women in Ghana: A heart-wrenching tale of neglect and suffering.
Ahmed M. Gedel Writes:
In the heart of Ghana, a silent struggle rages on, hidden from the prying eyes of the NPP government and the world. Fulani women, already marginalized and oppressed, bear the brunt of the farmer-herder conflict, their lives a testament to the failures of the NPP government and Samira Bawumia’s empty promises.
These women, forced to travel extensively in search of pasture, are denied access to basic services like healthcare and education. The consequences are dire: elevated maternal mortality rates and limited opportunities for their daughters. Cultural norms dictate that women cannot own livestock or land, condemning them to a life of poverty and dependence.
As the conflict escalates, farmer women suffer too. Their livelihoods are destroyed, crops stolen, and families disrupted. Widowed women are evicted from their lands, left to beg or take on subservient jobs. The trauma of gender-based violence looms large, with women and girls targeted for rape and abduction.
The irony is stark. Samira Bawumia urges Fulanis to ensure a “sound and emphatic victory” for the NPP, while her government and the husband ignores the very real struggles of Fulani women. President Akufo-Addo’s regime is a “glorified failure,” leaving Ghana to sink deeper into chaos.
It is time to move beyond empty promises and take concrete action to address the farmer-herder conflict and protect Fulani women’s rights. That’s why the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by John Mahama, is the beacon of hope. With their Women’s Manifesto launched in Kumasi, Mahama has pledged to introduce groundbreaking legislation to empower women.
Empowering Women, Empowering Ghana
The NDC’s vision includes:
1.Property Rights of Spouses Bill: Ensuring women receive their rightful share of property in the event of divorce or separation.
2.Domestic Workers Bill: Protecting vulnerable domestic workers, predominantly women, from exploitation and abuse.
3.Increased Women’s Representation: Boosting women’s presence in Parliament, district assemblies, and leadership roles.
But that’s not all. Mahama has also promised to establish a bank specifically for women, providing them with access to financial resources and economic opportunities.
The NDC’s commitment to women’s empowerment is genuine, and their track record speaks for itself.
With Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Mahama’s running mate, the NDC is poised to make history and bring about real change. Mahama’s Empowerment Agenda seeks to address these challenges by promoting women’s rights, education, and economic empowerment.
While the journey ahead is long, Mahama’s commitment to Fulani women’s welfare is a crucial step toward a more inclusive and equitable Ghana.
Ahmed M. Gedel
Former NDC Technical Advisor on Biometric and NDC Rep@ IPAC &UNDP-Ghana
