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| Madam Mercy Aluba Ewuntomah |
A retired Headmistress of Damongo Senior High School in the Savannah Region, Madam Mercy Alugba Ewuntomah is advocating for an increase in the number and full encouragement in female education in the Busunu traditional area.
Madam Mercy Aluba made the appeal during a speech she delivered at the launch of the Tamawuta Foundation, a non-profit making organization dedicated to bringing hope and positive change to vulnerable communities initiative dubbed, the 'Young Minds Project'.
The project aims to uplift and empower underprivileged children in the Savannah Regions of Ghana through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, mentorship, and community engagement.
Madam Aluba, who is also the President of the Busunu Professional Association, began by highlighting the association's origins in 2020, following the ascension of Chief Busunuwura Jonokpowo (I).
The organization was formed with the intention of supporting development projects in the Busunu traditional area, uniting sons and daughters of Busunu to contribute to local progress.
Reflecting on her own upbringing in Busunu and her educational journey, Madam Alugba stressed the significance of collective effort in driving change.
She invoked the adage "the strength of the ram is in the waist," emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration.
She expressed gratitude for the return of native sons like John Mahama and Alhaji Muniru, underscoring their membership in the Busunu Professional Association and the role they play in fostering the region's development.
Madam Alugba, known for her dedication to female education and empowerment, touched on her role as a district girls education officer for West Gonja from 2009 to 2016.
She highlighted the significance of initiatives like the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), which aimed to uplift young mothers and promote female education.
Her impassioned advocacy for educational equality in the region was evident as she emphasized the importance of education in the socio-economic context of Busunu.
Acknowledging the positive strides made by the government in providing free senior high school education, Madam Alugba called upon parents to actively support their children's education.
She addressed the crucial role of committed teachers in imparting knowledge to students and urged both educators and students to be more engaged in the learning process.
Turning her attention to the Tamawuta Foundation, Madam Alugba expressed her enthusiasm for its mission to support girl child education.
She recognised the challenges faced by girls in the region, particularly the issue of teenage mothers, and praised the "Teenage Mother Back to School" policy.
While stressing the importance of responsible behavior, she encouraged young girls to prioritize their education and strive for academic success.
Madam Alugba believed that the Tamawuta Foundation's efforts in providing essentials such as sanitary pads, bicycles, and educational materials would significantly contribute to enhancing girls' education in Busunu.
She assured the foundation of support from the Busunu Professional Association and her commitment to financial contributions.
Madam Alugba emphasised the importance of role model outreach and mentorship programs, particularly with the involvement of the female parliamentary representative.
She envisioned a nurturing environment where students could interact with mentors, fostering personal and academic growth.
While acknowledging her limited expertise in promoting Agriculture, she expressed gratitude for its inclusion in the foundation's efforts and reiterated the collective need for support in advancing girls' education in Busunu.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including the CEO of the foundation, sponsors from South Africa, the representative of the NDC Parliamentary Candidate, assembly members, respected chiefs, the Queen mother, educational institution heads, students, media representatives, and friends from the Bole traditional area.
