General Manager of the EIB Network, has called for stronger investment in women’s participation across all sectors as a driver for sustainable development and national progress.
Speaking at the National Civil Society Conference held at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra to commemorate the United Nations’ 80th Anniversary (UN@80) and the 2025 International Human Rights Day on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, she delivered her address on the topic “Civil Society and the Future of Multilateralism”.
She emphasized that Africa’s growth and governance depend on creating spaces where women lead, innovate, and make impactful decisions. She stated, “For Africa to thrive, we must create spaces where women lead, innovate, and make decisions that shape our economies, communities, and governance.
Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative.” In her address, Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong also highlighted the importance of strong civil society collaboration in advancing multilateral agendas and tackling pressing societal challenges.
She stressed that partnerships between NGOs, government institutions, and international bodies are critical to ensuring inclusive development that benefits all, particularly women and youth.
Further, she announced the Women in Sustainability Africa Summit, scheduled for May 21, 2026, which aims to amplify women’s voices in policy, entrepreneurship, and climate action.
The summit is expected to bring together leaders, innovators, and change-makers to foster dialogue, knowledge sharing, and actionable solutions that empower women across the continent.
Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, spoke on “Gender Justice and the Role of Women in Human Rights Advocacy”, urging Ghana to strengthen its commitment to gender justice and elevate women’s leadership.
She highlighted persistent inequalities undermining human rights progress and emphasized that investing in women is investing in society, as women bear the brunt of unpaid labor while contributing disproportionately to national development.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR), called on Ghanaians to uphold human dignity, reject discrimination, defend freedoms, and sustain interfaith harmony, reinforcing the universal nature of human rights.
Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, emphasized the critical role of civil society in amplifying marginalized voices and holding governments accountable.
“Civil society is the lifeblood of global cooperation. It is where the voices of the marginalized find resonance. Our advocacy ensures that policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials,” she said.
For his part, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), speaking on the topic “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs,” emphasized that youth leadership is a development imperative.
While highlighting HRRG’s work, including the Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol/Drug Abuse (KTT Project), which has educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse, he averred:
“Youth are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are key agents of change. When young people are empowered, societies thrive,”
Dr. Wemakor urged institutionalization of youth participation, protection of civic freedoms, investment in innovation and digital literacy, and prioritization of marginalized youth.
“Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and real opportunities for the next generation,” he emphasized.