The First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has cut the sod for the construction of educational and accommodation facilities for alleged witches and children at the Gambaga Camp.

This was in fulfillment of a pledge by Mrs Mahama during the 2012 electioneering campaign to facilitate the provision of a decent accommodation and education facilities for the Gambaga Witch Camp.

“Today, I am here to fulfill that promise,” she said.

The Ghana Education Trust Fund is financing the construction of a demonstration block with offices and dormitories; a single storey hostel with additional facilities and a six-unit classroom block for the proposed Gambaga Women’s Training Institute. The projects will be completed in two years, she said.

Mrs Mahama said: “The fulfillment of this promise is in line with the commitment of the president to expand access to education, especially at the pre-tertiary level and particularly for the girl-child.”

She called for the respect of the fundamental rights and dignity of women, since they had a lot to contribute to society.

“I am convinced that women have a lot to contribute to the life of our societies. A woman’s dignity and fundamental rights must, therefore, be respected,” she said.

She said education and skills development were important tools for national development and that the neglect of any segment of society would only retard the development of the entire nation.

“Let me urge the women in this area to make good use of the facilities after their completion. We would ensure that women are trained and provided with various skills and supported with small loans to start and expand their businesses.

“I will ensure that provision is made in this institute for women who do not have formal education to acquire skills in various vocations. This, ultimately, will empower the women to contribute meaningfully to the development of the area,” she said.

The First Lady donated assorted food items and clothing to the elderly women in the camp.

She appealed to traditional and opinion leaders and all influential persons in the area to offer the needed support towards making the initiative a success.

Mrs Mahama impressed upon the contractors of the project to ensure that they did quality work and complete the projects on schedule.

She was accompanied by Mr Bede Zendeng, Northern Regional Minister, his Deputy, Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini, the Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, Hajia Zaiynab Mahama and other government officials.