Accra, March 31, GNA- Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs at the weekend called on women to break way from cultural barriers that militate against the harnessing of their full potentials.

She called on them to be proactive in the struggle against the confinement of women at 'witches camps' and the forcing of girls to atone for the sins of their family members under the 'trokosi system. Hajia Mahama who made the call at the Ghana Evangelical Society (GES) in Accra said similar abuses of the rights of women happened in every part of the country, with grave consequences on the victims. She was speaking at a special church service in Accra, which was organised by the GES, a non-denominational evangelistic/missionary movement to honour Women. It was on the theme: "The Ghana Woman and the Nation."

Hajia Mahama observed that women are imbued with the same intellect, energy and capabilities like their male counterparts and must therefore not be victims of violence or be denied the opportunities to make it in life.

Justice Constance Owusu, Justice at the Appeals Court, who represented the Chief Justice, Mrs Georgina Theodora Wood said the fight of women against inequality would not be handed over to them on a silver platter.

She called on women to join the fight against all forms of discrimination against them.

Justice Owusu however lauded the country's track record in promoting gender equality, explaining that the appointment of women to sensitive positions such as the Executive and the Judiciary had impacted greatly on society.

Brother Immanuel Enoch Agbozo, Leader of the GES called on women to make a definite break with the past in order to tap their huge potentials for national development. He said the Ghana woman of faith and favour had a vital role to play in mothering, nurturing and establishing a new set of social values.

"The Ghana woman of faith, favour and glory shall be a key player and star performer in the divine scheme of things for Africa, the human race and the world and socio-cultural advancement in Africa." 31 March 08