A powerful coalition of traditional leaders and activists issued an urgent call to end the systemic abandonment of Ghana’s widows during last night’s Heroes of the Region Awards, transforming a ceremony of recognition into a rallying cry for justice.
The event, organised by the Heroes of Change Conference, spotlighted Widows Connect Africa (WCA), a Techiman-based NGO tackling the triple threat of economic devastation, violent disinheritance, and dehumanising rituals faced by widows across Ghana.
As president of the group, Prince Gyasi Antwi accepted the “Beacon of Hope” award, he delivered a blistering indictment of societal neglect:
“These trophies won’t feed a single child! While we celebrate heroes tonight, widows are being stripped of their farms, forced into degrading rituals, and shunned as bearers of bad luck. This award is hollow unless it compels every Ghanaian – chiefs, lawmakers, neighbours – to stand with our widows. Their strength is Ghana’s strength!”
His challenge ignited a seismic response from the dais. Krontihemaa of Cheraa Nana Adoma Afrakomaa leveraged her royal platform to expose harrowing realities rarely acknowledged in public forums:
“I’ve seen women subjected to ‘cleansing’ rituals that violate their bodies and souls. This is not our tradition! True Ghanaian custom protects the vulnerable. Chiefs, elders, and all people of conscience: we must enforce justice. Your intervention isn’t charity – it’s an act of national healing.”
The momentum surged when Nana Kobi Boateng Nsusumesa, Akyempimhene of Wenchi Ncheraa, received a “Community Ally” award for his continuous support for widows. In a direct appeal to traditional authorities, he declared:
“I have, over the years, supported widows in my community. Last year, I supported 400, and this year, I’m looking forward to supporting 500 of them. I challenge every chief here: join me in revising customs that oppress women in general.”
Antwi confirmed the awards momentum will accelerate WCA’s 2025 campaign:
“When a widow rises, her entire community rises with her. Ghana’s greatness depends on it.” Prince Gyasi Antwi added.
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