Women InSpirit's Partner Becomes Queen Mother

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On Wednesday of last week, two new Queen Mothers began the arduous process of being enstooled as queen mothers.  Sisters Jay Borkor Quartey (Queen Naa Borkor Adesagon) and her older sister, Beatrice Borley Borquaye (Queen Naa Borley Adom Olejen), have been princesses of their father's tribe, Dzenge. The Dzengwe clan is one of the eight major clans  (families) in Nungua, Ghana.

The Enstoolment ritual began on Wednesday, May 14. Ga Warriors in full regalia captured her and threw powder on her so as not to reveal her identity and placed a large symbolic leash around her neck. She said she was scared because they were aggressive, even though she knew the protocol. It's nice that Beatrice was beside her.

They were taken to the royal home in Nungua, the small southeastern village within the Greater Accra Region. There they showered and sat wrapped in a bedsheet for two days on the hard floor. Before they were fed, a guard ate of the meal to make sure it was safe and five minutes later they were allowed to eat. Jay said she hardly had any sleep because of the hard floor she had to sleep on and that she didn't use the bathroom for 24 hours because there was no "loo" in the home. What an experience! Luckily her husband, Nii, her children, as well as kings and queens, were allowed to come in and speak to her for 2 minutes each.

On Friday, May 15, after choosing their costume and jewelry, having their makeup applied and hair addressed, they were presented to the local community where they were entertained by talented drummers and dancers. Dressed in royal garb Jay and Beatrice looked beautiful right down to their heavy sandals which are made to teach them to walk like a queen (in other words, no running or walking fast!). Let the journey begin!

In Ghana, Queen Mothers play a vital role in traditional leadership and community development.  Here's what they do:•⁠ 

1. ⁠Leadership and Governance: Queen Mothers partner with male chiefs to provide leadership and governance in their communities. They have veto power over the chief's decisions and can appoint their own ministers.•⁠ 

2. ⁠Women's and Children's Issues: They focus on issues affecting women and children, such as education, health, and welfare. Queen Mothers have been involved in initiatives to support orphaned children and prevent HIV/AIDS.•⁠ ⁠

3. Community Development: Queen Mothers work on projects to improve their communities, including income-generating activities, climate change mitigation, and sanitation.•⁠ 

4. ⁠Cultural Preservation: They maintain local cultural traditions and provide care for women and children in their areas.•⁠ ⁠

5. Advocacy: Queen Mothers advocate for women's rights and empowerment, pushing for greater recognition and participation in national policy decisions.•⁠ ⁠Education and Healthcare: Some Queen Mothers have initiated programs to promote girls' education and healthcare, including breast cancer awarenes

1. Landmark for the "Center of the World"

Developing a modest but meaningful "Center of the World Beach" landmark to include a large welcoming sign identifying and celebrating the site's global significance (on the coastline near Tema which sits precisely on the Greenwich Meridian at 0° latitude which marks it as the true Center of the World. Also would be a shaded seating area where individuals and families can relax and reflect, a designated photo spot, ideal for visitors to capture memories and share the experience, and a small refreshment stand operated by local vendors, creating sustainable micro-business opportunities.

2. New Tailoring School:

Queen Naa would like to start a tailoring school in the Nungua Dzene we community for the many young girls/women who are in need of a step up in society. 

3. Build an Accessible Public Restroom in the community for the people.

With these initial thoughts, Jay will move forward with seeking funds from local and national corporations as well as kings and queens of Ghana. I know she will make a big difference in the lives of the people she serves and who serve her. I also know she will be much beloved by the community!  Jay will remain living at her family home and she will continue to be our partner for the sewing school in Accra. Please pray for her success.