Accra: Members of the Agona Abodom Widows Association have unanimously appealed to the First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, for financial support through her Foundation. They are seeking assistance with clothing and relief from various challenges they are facing.
According to Ghana News Agency, the members of the Association revealed that they are enduring pain, grief, sicknesses, and hunger. Many have been displaced from their matrimonial homes and have lost cocoa farms, which they acquired with their spouses, to their in-laws. These issues were discussed at a meeting of the Association held in Agona Abodom, located in the Agona West Municipality, where they addressed concerns regarding their wellbeing.
Mrs. Elizabeth Selby, the Founder and President of the Association, explained that the purpose of the group is to inspire and encourage its members with spiritual guidance. The Association, established 11 years ago, aims to support members who are suffering from various ailments, grief, and sadness. Mrs. Selby expressed hope that the First Lady would respond promptly to their plea through the Lordina Foundation, which could significantly improve their living conditions.
Mrs. Selby highlighted that 16 out of the 67 members are currently battling various illnesses, making it difficult to feed themselves and their children. Additionally, 104 members in Agona Bobikuma are facing eviction from their late husbands’ houses and loss of properties to their spouses’ families. The Association plans to expand its membership to Agona Kwaman, Agona Nyakrom, Agona Nkum, and other towns, but financial support and logistics remain a challenge.
The Association also seeks support from the Federation of Women Lawyers to provide legal advice and assistance to victims who cannot afford such services. Mrs. Selby called on NGOs, banks, affluent Ghanaians, the Marigold Foundation, and international financial institutions to aid widows in Agona Abodom, Bobikuma, and other areas within the Agona West Municipality.
Furthermore, Mrs. Selby appealed to the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to enroll these widows in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program to alleviate their hardships. Some members shared their experiences and grievances with the GNA, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.