By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, Jan 22, GNA – Nana Amba Eyiaba I, the Krontihemaa of the Oguaa Traditional Area, has received yet another honour for her remarkable impact in community development, youth empowerment and quality education.
The Bethshan Foundation, an organisation championing community development, bestowed on the distinguished traditional leader the prestigious ‘Humanitarian Distinction Award’ at a colourful and graceful event, dubbed “Change Award Ceremony” at Cape Coast.
Alongside the queenmother, the foundation also celebrated Rev. Dr Charles Kofi Essuman Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kofi Essuman Enterprise and Head Pastor of Lord-Done Ministries, for his profound impact in Cape Coast and beyond.
The Change Award Ceremony has been instituted to annually celebrate excellence in Cape Coast by honouring illustrious personalities making exceptional impact and changing lives.
The maiden edition was graced by Osambarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen, and a good number of his council members, judges, lawyers, pastors, educationists, and host of other distinguished personalities.
Nana Amba Eyiaba, also the Queenmother of Effutu and a retired educationist, served as a Central Regional Director of Education and has been a strong advocate for girls’ education and empowerment, mentoring many girls, some of whom presently occupy important positions in society.
In 1988 to 1993, she was appointed a member of the Cape Coast District Assembly, where she served on the Executive Committee, and the Education and the Social Services Sub-Committees.
In 1991 and 1992, she served as guest teacher in the Republic of Ireland where she taught in various schools throughout the country and helped the Curriculum Unit in Shannon to prepare a module on Ghana for their Development Studies.
For her exceptional educational leadership, she was honoured by the OLA College of Education at the College’s 90th anniversary celebration in 2016, for her support and contribution towards holistic, quality, and female education in Ghana.
Enstooled some 44 years ago, Nana Amba Eyiaba has been a role model and mentor to many queen mothers and chiefs, helping to build their capacity to function effectively as traditional rulers.
Beyond education and traditional leadership, Nana Amba Eyiaba also left a positive trail on Ghana’s political scene when she served as a commissioner of the Electoral Commission at a point in time.
The revered queen mother has served on numerous boards, committees and councils at the local, regional and national levels including the Graphic Communications Group Board, Environmental Protection Agency Board, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Mental Health Authority Board.
Rev Dr Betty King, the Head of the Betty King International Ministries and Founder of the Bethshan Foundation, symbolically handed the queenmother a plaque embossed with a citation of appreciation, praise and honour.
The citation recognised her unwavering dedication to empowering the youth and transforming the Oguaaman area.
“Through her visionary leadership and commitment to education, Nana Amba Eyiaba has made a lasting impact on the lives of many people, promoting quality education and socio-economic development.
“Her advocacy for women’s empowerment and decision-making processes has inspired countless individuals, fostering a culture of inclusivity and progress,” the citation read.
Rev. Dr King eulogised the queen mother for her exemplary leadership and lasting impact, justifying the award bestowed on her.
Nana Amba Eyiaba, moved to tears, expressed gratitude and joy for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to changing lives.
She underscored the critical role of women in society, describing them as agents of change without who men could not function effectively.
“Women are the backbone of the society, we are at work and we are effecting the change. We need to keep pushing boundaries,” she said.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta extolled Nana Amba Eyiaba for her excellence, noting that the award was very well deserved.
He announced a new wave of change and development in Cape Coast and entreated residents of the ancient city to ride along with unwavering dedication and commitment.
He commended the foundation for leading the charge for change and called for a change in attitudes among residents.
“I and my council wholly support whatever change that is going to happen in Cape Coast,” he said.
“What we are now confronted with can only be realised if we realise that on our own, we cannot, unless we let God direct us and so let us humble ourselves before God for him to lead us,” the Oguaamanhen added.
Mr George Justice Arthur, the Mayor of Cape Coast, testified of the impact that the queenmother had made on his life and backed the honour.
“A nation that does not honour its heroes and heroines is not worth dying for; she really deserves it,” he stressed.
He used the opportunity to announce the eight-year development plan of the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, highlighting various areas of focus, and urged concerted support for the plan.
The ceremony also recognised five exceptional nominees including Mrs Barbara Asher Ayisi, a Former Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North and Prof. Mrs Georgina Yaa Oduro, an Associate Professor and Head of Department of Sociology and Anthropology at University of Cape Coast (UCC), for her work in gender advocacy.
The rest were Dr Mrs Esther Boham, a Former Head of Counselling Unit, CCTU, Mrs Charity Dodoo, and Mrs Harriet Idun Oduraa Sagoe, Central Regional Deputy Education Director.
A Youth Excellence Award was also bestowed upon Ms Esther Ntiriwaa Obeng, a graduate from UCC, for her outstanding contributions to youth development.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey / Christabel Addo
