COLANDEF has since 2018 supported the setting up of the Queen Mothers’ Platform, Ghana with the aim of bringing all Queen mothers in Ghana under one umbrella platform and building their capacities for inclusion in policy spaces to promote socio-economic development and the affairs of women and children in the various communities. By way of advancing their roles in customary governance in their various traditional areas, the Queenmothers with continuous support from COLANDEF are working towards becoming more legitimate and recognized for representation and voice as a traditional leaders' platform for policy-level engagements.

One of the remarkable displays of community leadership and dedication to supporting women and other vulnerable groups in society was identified in the Osudoku Traditional Area of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. This was in respect of the actions taken by the Paramount Queenmother of the Osudoku Traditional Area, who doubles as the President of the Queen Mothers Platform-Ghana, Nana Amponsah Dokua III, who recently spearheaded an initiative in Osuwem, in the Osudoku Traditional Area. Prior to that, the Queenmother had some discussions with the Directors of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), National Identifications Authority (NIA), and the Social Welfare in their district to respond to the health and other welfare needs of the vulnerable groups in the community. The institutions affirmed their collaboration

by providing services, that is, to register indigenes for free healthcare coverage and for the National Identification Cards (Ghana Card). These efforts aimed to alleviate the financial burden and logistical challenges faced by community members.

On May 22nd and 23rd, 2023, approximately 700 indigenes were registered for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for free in Osuwem. This endeavor aimed to ensure that a larger segment of the community could benefit from the comprehensive healthcare coverage provided by the NHIS: promoting overall well-being and reducing the financial burden of medical expenses.

In a further demonstration of commitment to community welfare, Nana Amponsah Dokua III organized a special event on May 24th, 2023, to coincide with Menstrual Hygiene Day. This event shed light on the importance of menstrual hygiene and created an opportunity to educate community members about the challenges faced by women and girls in accessing proper menstrual hygiene facilities and resources. By promoting and raising awareness on discussions surrounding menstrual hygiene, Nana Amponsah Dokua III and her team contributed to breaking taboos and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in Osuwem.

Realizing the significance of identification documents in facilitating access to various services and entitlements, Nana Amponsah Dokua III facilitated the distribution of Ghana cards in collaboration with the NIA and Social Welfare.

On May 24th and 25th, 2023, the NIA brought its services to Osuwem-Osudoku, ensuring that community members had the necessary identification documents to avail themselves of essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs.

Nana Amponsah Dokua III, President of the Queen Mothers Platform, has proven herself as an exemplary community leader by partnering with the NHIA, Shai-Osudoku District Social Welfare, and the NIA to address healthcare and welfare challenges in Osuwem. The initiatives undertaken have not only provided indigenes with free healthcare coverage under the NHIS but also raised awareness about menstrual hygiene and facilitated the distribution of Ghana cards for improved access to social welfare services.

COLANDEF will continue to provide technical support to the Queen Mothers’ Platform to enhance their visibility, recognition, legitimacy, and inclusion from the local level to the national level to achieve the overall goal of representation and participation in policy decisions as a traditional leaders’ platform for engagements.