The Agona Abodom Widows Association has issued a passionate appeal to government institutions, civil society, and legal aid organisations to intervene and address the worsening plight of widows in the Agona West Municipality, many of whom face systemic dispossession, homelessness, and poverty after the death of their spouses.
At a recent meeting held in Agona Abodom, members detailed harrowing experiences of being forcibly evicted from their matrimonial homes, denied access to jointly acquired farmlands, and left without legal recourse—a reality they say reflects a broader failure to protect widows’ rights under Ghanaian law and customary practices.
“We are suffering. Some of us have lost everything after our husbands died—our farms, our homes, even our dignity,” said Mrs. Elizabeth Selby, Founder and President of the Association. “We are appealing for legal protection and humanitarian support so we can live with dignity.”
Mrs. Selby noted that 16 out of the group’s 67 members are currently battling serious illnesses without access to adequate healthcare or food. A sister association in Agona Bobikuma with 104 widows is reportedly experiencing similar conditions, marked by property seizures by in-laws, lack of income, and emotional trauma.
Widows Caught Between Culture and the Law
The testimonies highlight the intersection of customary practices and inadequate legal enforcement, where many widows are stripped of their rights without due process. Despite Ghana’s legal framework recognizing the rights of spouses, widows—particularly in rural communities—continue to suffer discrimination and exploitation.
“We need help from the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) and other legal aid groups. Most of our members cannot afford a lawyer to defend their rights,” Mrs. Selby said.
She called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to enroll vulnerable widows in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, which offers financial assistance to extremely poor households.
“Our members are in desperate need of support. If the Ministry can help us register for LEAP, many lives will improve immediately,” she added.
Appeal to the First Lady and Donor Institutions
While the association seeks structural and legal remedies, it also appealed to Her Excellency Mrs. Lordina Mahama, through the Lordina Foundation, for emergency aid, including food, clothing, and shelter.
“We believe in our First Lady’s compassion. We know she can help us bring some relief to our pain,” said Mrs. Selby.
The association also reached out to NGOs, banks, philanthropic foundations such as Marigold Foundation, and well-meaning individuals both in Ghana and abroad to support widows through donations, healthcare support, and small-scale enterprise funding.
Structural Reform Urgently Needed
Experts say the recurring nature of widow dispossession points to a glaring gap in enforcement of inheritance and marital property rights, especially for rural women.
The Agona Abodom Widows Association is urging lawmakers, the judiciary, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to intensify public education campaigns and enact reforms that specifically protect the economic and social rights of widows.
Until that happens, Mrs. Selby warns, dozens more women may fall into poverty and despair, with little hope of legal redress.
“This is not just about charity—it’s about justice. We are citizens too, and we deserve protection under the law.”
