The Headmistress of Juaso Senior High Technical School (Juaso SHTS), Madam Ishmaelia Crentsil, has made a passionate appeal for equal opportunities for both men and women in leadership and decision-making positions, describing gender inclusion as a cornerstone of Ghana’s sustainable development.
She made this call during a grand homecoming celebration held at Nobeam in the Juaben Municipality of the Ashanti Region to honor Miss Cecilia Gallo, the winner of the Face of North UEW 2025 pageant, who hails from the community. The event attracted chiefs, educationists, local leaders, and residents, who gathered in a joyous atmosphere to celebrate Cecilia’s remarkable achievement, which has brought pride and recognition to Nobeam.
Addressing the gathering, Madam Crentsil underscored that empowering women and ensuring gender-balanced representation in leadership is not a gesture of sympathy but a strategic approach to achieving inclusive national growth. She explained that nations that harness the strengths and potential of both genders tend to achieve more sustainable progress and social cohesion than those that do not.
“Gender inclusion should not be seen as a favor to women but as a strategic move to strengthen governance, innovation, and national growth,” she said. “Leadership should be defined by competence, integrity, and service — not by gender.”
She further urged government institutions, private organizations, and educational stakeholders to implement deliberate policies and programs that promote women’s participation across diverse sectors, including education, politics, entrepreneurship, science, and governance. According to her, Ghana’s future depends on how well it empowers its women to contribute fully to national development. “We cannot talk about transformation when half of our human capital remains underutilized. Empowering women to lead is empowering Ghana to move forward,” she added.
Madam Crentsil also revealed plans to establish a Girls’ Leadership and Reading Club at Juaso Senior High Technical School to help build confidence, literacy, and leadership potential among young girls. She explained that the club will serve as a mentorship platform to guide female students toward responsible and visionary leadership in their future careers.
She took the opportunity to commend Miss Cecilia Gallo for her outstanding achievements, describing her as a true inspiration for young girls across Ghana. She encouraged parents to invest in their daughters’ education, noting that “when you educate a girl, you educate a nation. An educated woman becomes a light that brightens her home, her community, and her country.”
The Odikro of Nobeam, Nana Yaw Kyere III, who chaired the event, praised the Headmistress for her insightful message and echoed her call for parental commitment to education. He emphasized that education remains the greatest inheritance any parent can offer their child. Nana Yaw Kyere III advised the youth, particularly girls, to remain disciplined, obedient, and focused on their studies while avoiding early relationships and distractions that could derail their future.
In recognition of Miss Gallo’s exceptional accomplishment, Nana Yaw Kyere III presented her with a parcel of land on behalf of the community as a token of appreciation and motivation to continue inspiring others. He expressed optimism that her success would encourage more students from Nobeam to work hard and aim high.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Kwame Frimpong Seth, lauded the chiefs and people of Nobeam for recognizing and honoring one of their own. He encouraged parents to emulate Cecilia’s parents, who wisely invested proceeds from their small-scale mining business into her education. He stressed that true wealth lies not in gold or property but in education and the knowledge it brings.
Also addressing the gathering, Mr. Frank Ofori commended Miss Gallo for her humility and excellence, urging the youth to live exemplary lives and make education their top priority. He expressed concern over the negative perception surrounding small-scale mining in Ghana, explaining that not all miners engage in environmentally harmful activities. He appealed to government and regulators to provide technical training and resources to small-scale miners to promote responsible mining practices.
In her speech, Miss Cecilia Gallo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the chiefs, elders, and people of Nobeam for the recognition and encouragement. She said the honor had inspired her to continue striving for excellence and to serve as a positive example to other young girls. Cecilia advised the youth to stay disciplined, avoid drugs and bad company, and remain focused on their education. “I want every young girl to know that with determination, discipline, and faith, you can rise above any circumstance. Education is the most powerful tool that can change your life,” she said.
The event was filled with joy, cultural performances, and traditional drumming and dancing, creating a festive atmosphere of unity and pride. It was not only a moment of celebration for Cecilia’s success but also a reaffirmation of Nobeam’s commitment to education, gender inclusion, and youth empowerment.
As the program concluded, the people of Nobeam pledged their continued support for girls’ education and equal leadership opportunities, affirming that education remains the surest foundation for Ghana’s sustainable development and social advancement.
