The first lady, Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, on Thursday charged women to build their confidence through the acquisition of knowledge, in order to be assertive in all matters concerning their welfare.
She noted that it was only by so doing that the African woman could assert her womanhood through actions and contribute to the building of her community and her nation.
Mrs Mills made these remarks in a speech read for her by the Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa-Doe, at the women's day celebration of the on-going Ninth Pan-African Festival (PANAFEST) at Cape Coast.
The day which was observed on the theme "Kasa", meaning speak out, was attended by leaders representing various women's groups and queens from the metropolis, with the "Aboadze mmemsuon' a cultural troupe based in Cape Coast entertaining the gathering.
"As women leaders, it is time for us to speak out clearly about the perennial development issues affecting our people", she said, stressing that strategic, concrete and sustained actions were needed to address such issues.
The first lady, paid tribute to African women who led in the resistance against slavery and all forms of colonialism, and urged the 21st century African woman to also lead in the crusade against the modern forms of slavery "which includes extreme poverty and illiteracy."
She noted that the celebration of PANAFEST, offers the African family the opportunity to regularly re-affirm the bonds that hold them together, and urged the women to ensure that they collectively discuss matters that impinge on their development as a people, to ensure that they gain their freedom "socially and economically".
She also urged women leaders to be good role models for the younger generation, and also mentor them to become successful in their various fields of endeavour.
The Minister for Trade and Industry, Ms Hanna Tetteh, for her part, underscored the need for women to prepare themselves to take up leadership roles in the country by adding value to themselves, adding that it is not only academic pursuits that ensure success, but that they should strive to upgrade themselves in whatever they do.
She urged them to contact the Business Advisory Centres (BACs) in their areas to access training and loans for the setting up of businesses to make them economically self-reliant.
Nana Amba Eyiaba, Krontihemaa of Oguaa Traditional Area and a Co-Chairman of the PANAFEST Foundation, in an address, said women have the power to exert their influence and make a positive impact if they come together with a common voice.
She said the African woman cannot afford to remain silent in this information age, and urged them to tell their own story as dedicated, hard working, and influential people who can cause change in society.
An exhibition of traditional Ghanaian cuisinesincluding "tatale" and Bambara beans, "Yakeyake" and fried fish, fufu and palmnut soup, and "peewa", was later showcased.
Present at the programme were Dr Erica Benneth, head of the African Union (AU) Missions and representative from the Diaspora, and Dr (Mrs) Esi Sutherland-Addy, research fellow of the Institute of African Studies, as well as some dignitaries from Nigeria, and Kenya.