Ghana gained independence from the British in 1957. However, the names that are frequently mentioned are those of the men, leaving the women out.
In honor of all women who helped Ghana become independent, here are seven female compatriots you should know.
She was popularly referred to as Dedei Ashikishan. She was a businesswoman, a political activist, and a feminist. She owned a huge flour retail business in Accra hence the name Dedei Ashikishan meaning Dedei flour.
She was the leader of the Market Mother Association. She provided funds and campaigned for Dr. Nkrumah to win the Accra-Central seat. As her financial contribution increased so did her influence. She was said to be very close to Dr. Nkrumah. She died in 1960.
Her face is on Ghana’s 50 pesewas coin.
Susanna A-Hassan was an author and politician. She is said to be the first Member of Parliament in the Northern Territory. She is the first Ghanaian female to be appointed minister and the first African woman to hold a cabinet portfolio. Her fearless activism during the colonial era caused her to rise through the ranks in politics.
Mrs. Dove Danquah was a journalist during the colonial era. She made sure her opinions were expressed through her published work.
Her column in the times of West Africa Newspaper often called on Ghanaians to keep fighting for independence and women especially to play an active role in the fight against colonialism.
In 1954 she became the first female member of Ghana’s legislative assembly. She is also the first woman to be elected into the African Legislative Assembly.
She designed the Ghana flag. In an interview some years back she explained the reason she chose the colors and the design which has now become Ghana’s flag.
“I decided on the three colors of red, gold, and green because of the geography of Ghana.
Ghana lies in the tropics and is blessed with rich vegetation. The color Gold was influenced by the mineral-rich nature of our lands and Red commemorates those who died or worked for the country’s independence.
Then the five-pointed lone star which is the symbol of African emancipation and unity in the struggle against colonialism” she pointed out. She is also the first female head of the Ghana Hockey Association.
She was a political activist with the ability to gather people for rallies, demonstrations among others. This convening ability got her the nickname “Convention Hannah”
When the big six were arrested many gave up but Hannah did not. She gathered Ghanaians from all works of life to petition the colonial masters for their release.
Mrs. Gloria Adwoa Amon Nikoi was the first Ghanaian woman to hold the position of Foreign minister.
She and her husband Mr. Nikoi played a great role in the independence struggle. Her husband was made Ghana’s permanent representative to the United Nations in 1957.
Agnes Oforiwa Tagoe-Quarcoopome
Just like Dedei Ashikishan, Agnes Oforiwa Tago-Quarcoopome was a market woman.
She together with the Makola Women Association called for support for Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Aunty Oforiwa as she was popularly called supported Dr. Nkrumah in every way possible and used her connections in society to raise funds for the activities of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP).
Source: africa.businessinsider.com
