Ghana’s Leadership Highlights Women’s Roles in Faith and Maritime Sectors

Ghana is witnessing a renewed emphasis on the pivotal role of women across diverse sectors, from the spiritual foundations of the church to the technical frontiers of the maritime industry. Recently, the Assemblies of God, Ghana, and the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) held significant events to celebrate women's contributions while advocating for greater institutional integrity and gender inclusion. These gatherings collectively highlighted the importance of "audacious faith" in religious life and the necessity of breaking barriers in historically male-dominated fields like maritime engineering and seafaring.

At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, the Assemblies of God convened the Biennial National Ministers’ Wives Conference, attracting approximately 3,000 participants. Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the General Superintendent, delivered a compelling charge to attendees, urging them to resist "alien doctrines" and practices that deviate from core Christian tenets. Speaking under the theme “The Faith of Our Fathers In Action,” Rev. Wengam emphasized the need for steadfastness and the active defense of church doctrines through evangelism and church planting in unreached communities. The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, also addressed the conference, encouraging participants to grow in their faith. Beyond spiritual guidance, the conference served as a platform for Lady Monica Wengam to outline the association’s infrastructure initiatives, including a new legacy temple in the Afram Plains and projects focused on mental health and social skills for church growth.

Simultaneously, the maritime sector marked the International Day for Women in Maritime, with the Ghana Maritime Authority leading the celebrations. Director-General Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali lauded the courage and innovation of women who have successfully navigated careers in seafaring, engineering, and senior leadership positions. The Authority used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to gender inclusion, calling on both government and private industry stakeholders to support initiatives that elevate women’s roles. Dr. Ali noted that the resilience of women is a primary driving force for industry growth, serving as an inspiration for future generations of female maritime professionals who are essential to advancing Ghana's maritime sector.

These separate but thematically linked celebrations underscore a broader national movement toward recognizing women as essential pillars of growth and stability. Whether through the spiritual mobilization of the Assemblies of God or the professional empowerment promoted by the Ghana Maritime Authority, the message remains clear: diversity and firm principles are vital for Ghana’s future. As the church expands its reach and the maritime industry seeks greater diversity, the combined efforts of these sectors signal a progressive shift toward a more inclusive and resilient society.