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GREENHILL - The Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) is organizing a five-day workshop for Queenmothers across the ten regions of Ghana. The first of its kind, the conference, themed �Promoting Good Governance � the Role of Queenmothers in Ghana� is under the auspices of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture, the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Women and Children�s Affairs. Outlining the objectives of the conference at the colourful opening ceremony held at GIMPA�s Executive Conference Centre, Nana Adwoa Asiaa Benneh, Nkosuohene of Wirenkyiren Amanfrom and Chairman of the National Queens Conference, said the conference among other things is to equip the Queenmothers with the required skills and knowledge that will enable them participate and contribute more effectively in good governance and national development. The queenmothers will also be empowered to advocate more effectively on women�s rights and social justice and to participate effectively in the local, regional and national assemblies of traditional leaders to encourage women�s access to health and education to enable them provide valuable imputs in entrepreneurship and other economic activities. Minister for Women and Children�s Affairs, Hon. Juliana Azumah-Mensah, encouraged the Queenmothers to attach the desired seriousness and dedication to the five-day workshop to emerge strengthened in their capacity to support the Ministry as key stakeholders and partners in the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in Ghana. Her Ladyship Justice Vida Akoto Bamfo who chaired the occasion on behalf of the Chief Justice commended GIMPA and the Commonwealth Secretariat for the laudable initiative. She encouraged the women to take this opportunity to learn skills that will position them as the change agents that they are supposed to be. The GIMPA Council Chair, Dr. Christina Amoako-Nuama, urged the Queenmothers to attach the maximum seriousness to the programme, taking advantage of the training and networking opportunity in order to return to their communities with a renewed mindset and energy. In his remarks, the President of the National House of Chiefs, Kumasi, Naa Professor John S. Nabila, emphasized the role of chieftaincy saying, though one of the oldest traditional institutions in Ghana, chieftaincy remains relevant because of the significant role it continues to play in our communities. The conference will also offer a unique opportunity to share, explore and discuss issues related to women in governance and development and also facilitate networking among the Queenmothers towards achieving common development outcomes. It is also expected that at the end of the five-day workshop, the Queenmothers will become more enterprising to venture into small businesses including small agro industries.