Opoku-Agyemang advocates for inclusive decision-making in sports infrastructure development

Accra, Ghana - Nov 18, 2024 - Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of the National Democratic Congress, is advocating for inclusive decision-making processes in Ghana's infrastructure development, particularly in the construction of AstroTurf facilities.

Speaking at a gender empowerment series at the Labadi Beach Hotel on Monday, November 18, she emphasized that public infrastructure projects can either promote or hinder gender equality.

Opoku-Agyemang questioned whether women's needs, interests, and schedules were considered during the planning stages of these sports facilities, highlighting the absence of women and girls in the planning process as a reflection of deeper systemic inequalities.

She stressed that infrastructure development should prioritize inclusivity, ensuring equal benefits for all segments of society, particularly women.

“I see beautiful AstroTurfs dotted all over our country, and I don’t have issues against that, but I ask myself, is gender sensitivity a consideration? I have not seen a single girl on any of those AstroTurfs and I ask why that is the case.

“So even in sports, we are pushing down gender inequality. Were women part of the discussion before they [the AstroTurfs] were built to know what games women would want to play and what time women had for play? As we look into the future, I urge all of us to reflect on the spaces that we create to foster equal opportunities for both genders.”

Source: Florence Kyei / Lead News Online