Mepeasem (W/R) April 4 - GNA - Mr. John Hackman, Senior Regional Coordinator of the Ghana National Commission on Children (GNCC) In-Charge of the Western Regional, on Saturday called on women to make the effort and take advantage of programmes put in place by the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs to assist them to set up profitable ventures. He was speaking at the inauguration of Mepeasem Mboa Kuw, a benevolent association at Mepeasem near Sekondi.

Mr. Hackman said the programmes of the Ministry are designed to help the women to improve their living conditions and that of their families, while contributing towards national development.

He said the programmes could have wider impact because of the place of women in the home and in the society adding that it is time women play more active role in national development by embracing such programmes.

Mr. Hackman also advised women to pay more attention to their children, especially their education and not to use their money to buy cloths for funeral at the expense of the education of their children.

Nana Kobina Nketsia, V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, who presided, expressed concern that some politicians are dividing the nation as if its citizens are not well-meaning people.

He therefore expressed gratitude to women in the area for coming together to forge unity and help raise their living standards. Mrs Rose Badwi, secretary and financial secretary, said the Association is a welfare organisation aimed at helping its members to improve their living conditions through economic ventures.

Mrs Badwi said have secured loans from the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly's Poverty Alleviation Fund but the amount is not sufficient and appealed to the Minister of Women and Children's Affairs to help them obtain larger loans.

She appealed for assistance from individuals and establishments to come to the aid of the association to construct a community day care centres. Right Reverend A. K. F Okoh, retired Bishop of the Sekondi Diocese of the Anglican Church swore-in the 10-member executive and 13 patrons of the Association.

Members of the executive include Madam Mary Kyereboah, chairperson, Madam Francisca Andoh, vice chairperson, Madam Theresa Boham, Assistant Secretary and Miss Cecilia Freiku, treasurer.