Ladies in Mining, Goldfields celebrate International Women Day

Professor Grace Ofori-Sarpong, founder of Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions (LIMAP) -Ghana, has called on the youth to remain hopeful and seize the opportunities of the modern era and that future holds immense potentials for them.

Speaking at an event to mark International Women’s Day, organised by LIMAP in partnership with Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Prof. Ofori-Sarpong reflected on the transformative impact of technology and the need for collective effort to overcome challenges.

Prof. Ofori-Sarpong emphasised the importance of women supporting one another to achieve their goals.

“Opportunities are abundant, but they come with challenges. This is why we must come together as women, motivate ourselves and work harder to merit the positions we aspire to occupy. We must also encourage the youth to seize these opportunities,” she added.
Founded nine years ago, LIMAP has been dedicated to empowering women in mining and allied professions in Ghana.

With the slogan “Shining Ahead and Transforming Our Generation,” the association focuses on motivating, encouraging, and building the capacities of its members to excel in their fields.
“We aim to leave indelible marks wherever we find ourselves. By doing so, we demonstrate confidence and serve as role models and mentors for the younger generation,” Prof. Ofori-Sarpong explained.

She also highlighted LIMAP’s outreach to basic schools, where members engage with young students to inspire them early in life.
Professor Michael Affam, Dean of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy (ORIC) at UMaT, underscored the importance of celebrating women as unique and vital contributors to society.

“Our purpose today is to celebrate women, who are the vast embodiment of creation and who excel in everything they do,” he said.
The event, held under the theme: “Accelerate Action: Personal and Collective Responsibility,” is aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusivity.
Prof. Affam noted that the theme was particularly relevant in the quest for a future where all people were treated equally.

“The slogan ‘Affirmative Action’ implores us to make progress on behalf of women. Women are not asking for too much; they are simply asking for their fair share,” he said.
He called for a united front to achieve gender equality and ensure that women were not relegated to the background.

“Today is a day to recognise the extraordinary acts of women worldwide and to promote gender equality, especially in our part of the world.

“We must bring attention to the unique qualities of women and ensure their inclusion in all spheres of life,” Prof. Affam added.

Katherine Kupool, President of LIMAP and General Manager of Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine, emphasised the importance of collective progress and personal growth for women.
“Our destiny as women has been one of personal growth and collective progress. It is through our united efforts that we can continue to challenge the status quo and break down barriers,” she said.

Madam Kupool expressed gratitude to Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, UMaT, and LIMAP members for their support in organising the event. She noted that the discussions at the celebration would focus on personal and collective responsibility toward accelerating action for gender equality, rights and empowerment.

“I hope that today’s discussions will not just be an annual festivity of honouring women, but will serve as a constant reminder of the work that still needs to be done,” she said.
She stressed that accelerating action requires concrete steps, mutual support and a shared vision of equality.

“International Women’s Day has been celebrated worldwide since 1977 and it serves as a memorial event to reflect on our progress and renew our commitment to achieving gender equality,” Madam Kupool added.

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