A NEWLY enstooled Development Queenmother (Mpuntuhemaa) of Badukrom/Kokwado in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District in the Central Region, Nana Aba Kum I, has made the construction of the community's first basic school her maiden development project.
She noted that no child should have to walk long distances to access education.
The queenmother announced the initiative immediately after her coronation ceremony, where she also commissioned a newly mechanised borehole with a 1,000-litre reservoir and launched the Nana Aba Kum Foundation to mobilise resources for education, health care and child welfare.
She appealed to the government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to support the project, describing education as the surest pathway to transforming the lives of children and the future of the community.
The colourful coronation ceremony attracted traditional rulers, queenmothers, opinion leaders, residents and invited guests from different parts of the country.
Vision
Speaking to the media after her coronation, Nana Aba Kum I, known in private life as Gloria Alija, said accepting the traditional role was driven by her desire to change lives and offer hope to the vulnerable.
"The vision is to change lives, give hope to the needy and help transform this community. That is why my first priority is education because our children deserve a better future," she said.
She explained that the newly launched Nana Aba Kum Foundation would serve as the vehicle through which her development agenda would be implemented.
"I will use the foundation to seek support from non-governmental organisations, companies, development partners and individuals who share this vision. I will also engage the Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam and Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, as well as other stakeholders to help us improve the lives of our people," she said.
According to the queenmother, development queenmothers played a vital role in complementing the work of traditional authorities by mobilising resources for community development.
"These are some of the reasons communities need Mpuntuhemaa. They bring hope, they bring help, they secure scholarships and sponsorships, and they support the needy. My focus is to build a better future for this community," she stressed.
Nana Aba Kum I, who works as the Personal Assistant to the Managing Director and Executive Vice-President of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Tarkwa Mine, said she intended to leverage her professional experience and networks to attract investment and development projects to the community.
Taking the oath of office before the Odikro of Badukrom, Nana Badu VII, Nana Aba Kum I swore three times before the people before turning to the chief to pledge her unwavering commitment to the stool.
Addressing the gathering, she expressed appreciation to the chiefs, queenmothers, elders, residents and guests who attended the ceremony.
She called for unity among the people, stressing that meaningful development could only be achieved when residents worked together towards a common purpose.
"I cannot do this work alone. I need the support of every chief, elder, youth and resident. Let us put aside our differences and work together to develop Badukrom," she appealed.
Support
Nana Blay XI, Akernyinhen, Ahanta West, urged Nana Aba Kum I to remain focused and committed to her responsibilities despite possible criticism.
He advised her to listen to wise counsel from experienced traditional leaders and not be distracted by negative comments.
He also appealed to residents to rally behind the new queenmother to enable her to implement development projects that would improve the welfare of the people.
The Chief of Badukrom, Nana Kow Badu VII, welcomed Nana Aba Kum and pledged the unwavering support of himself, the traditional leaders and the people of Badukrom.
He also congratulated her on her enstoolment and wished her a successful reign.
