Regional News of Friday, 17 April 2015

Source: Kofi Owusu Aduonum /Daily Guide

Ohemaa Aouad heads AWLO Ghana

The Chief Executive Officer of Majomar Montessori Academy Mrs Rebecca Ohemaa Aouad has been appointed as the president of Ghana’s chapter of AAfrican Women In Leadership Organization (AWLO).

In a colourful inauguration ceremony which attracted women in authority recently in Accra she pledged to foster alliance among women not only in the country, but the entire continent as a whole.

Already, she has hit the ground running with a special project to solicit for funds in support for girl child with disability.

In her inaugural speech, Ohemaa, who is also the founder of Marie Thereze Memorial Lupus Foundation made a passionate financial appeal of ¢45,000 for nine-year-old Irene Akua Kumi Cobblah, a pupil of Majomar Montessori with disability to enable her undergo a surgery.

“I accept the position in good faith. To begin with and as you witnessed earlier, I have launched an appeal for funds to raise money for a surgery for the poor little girl.

“My primary objective is to embark on a project that will support female kids with disability not only in Ghana but beyond,” she added.

Founder of AWLO Elisha Attai challenged the heavily female populated gathering to take up leadership roles.

He said the organization’s objective is to enhance leadership qualities among women across the board by bringing people that have knowledge, that are advanced in what they do; bringing everybody together and exchanging views and seeing how the group can educate and empower one another. In a post-event interview, he mentioned that “I see women as better managers and given the influence of my own mother, I know that if we leverage their potentials, we can do better across the board. Women have great influence and can change lives beginning from the home. Take for example, the issues of corruption and insecurity – don’t you know that if they are better equipped and empowered, they can address these issues beginning at home.? “The Organization envisions a continent in which women take their rightful place as home and nation builders with equal opportunities and equal access in all areas of existence.”

According to the founder, AWLO will from this year have two conferences a year; one in Africa, one in America. May 7 in Lagos Sheraton for African conference then August 12 to 16 in Houston, Texas on a theme ‘African women transcending the globe and breaking barriers’.

AWLO, founded in 2009, is a non-profit organization with a membership of women leaders from all walks of life across the African continent.