The Paramount Queen Mother of the Yamfo Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region, Nana Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, has encouraged young girls to pursue higher education and continuous self-development, stressing that education remains a vital tool for empowering women and strengthening communities.
She made the call while addressing participants at the Dare to Lead Conference 2026 held on Sunday, March 8, to commemorate International Women’s Day.
The Yamfohemaa used the occasion to urge families, community leaders and institutions to support girls in their pursuit of education and personal development rather than limiting their ambitions because of societal expectations or traditional roles.
Sharing her personal experience, Nana Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II recounted how she became Queen Mother during her national service after completing her Higher National Diploma (HND). While the role brought honour and responsibility, she said some people questioned her decision to continue her education after ascending the traditional stool.
Despite the pressure, she said she remained determined to pursue further studies because she believed leadership must be supported by knowledge and continuous learning.
She later obtained her university degree and subsequently earned a Master of Science (MSc) while fulfilling her responsibilities as Queen Mother.
According to her, the decision to continue her education was not only for personal growth but also to inspire young girls who look up to women leaders.
“A woman should never be forced to stop growing because of a title or responsibility,” she said, encouraging girls to remain confident in their aspirations.
The Yamfohemaa noted that empowering women through education has far-reaching benefits for families and communities, adding that when women are given opportunities to grow, society as a whole progresses.
In recognition of her advocacy for women’s empowerment and cultural leadership, Nana Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II was presented with the Woman Culture Empowerment Award at the conference.
The award, according to the organisers, was in honour of her commitment to promoting education, leadership and cultural values while serving as a role model for young women.
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally each year to recognise the achievements of women and to promote gender equality and equal opportunities for women and girls.
For the Yamfohemaa, the occasion served as a reminder that communities must continue to create opportunities that enable women and girls to learn, lead and contribute meaningfully to development.
