In Ghana, only 6% of candidates for the Council of State elections are women, with just 10 out of 155 total candidates being female. The elections will take place on February 11, 2024, and reflect ongoing challenges in achieving gender equity in political representation despite the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act 2024. Organizations advocate for further commitment from political parties to enforce gender equity in government appointments, expecting 30% representation for women.
In the upcoming Council of State elections, only 6% of candidates are women, according to the Electoral Commission (EC). Out of 155 candidates who have filed nomination forms, just 10 are female, with the majority being male. The elections will occur across regional capitals on February 11, 2024, to appoint regional representatives to the 30-member advisory council that aids the President and government officials in governance decisions.
The EC’s data shows a concerning trend of low female candidacy, particularly in regions like Greater Accra, Volta, and several others, where no women have expressed interest in running. The Eastern Region leads with three women candidates, while the Western and Ashanti Regions have two each, and three other regions have one women candidate each.
Ghana has long struggled with inadequate representation of women in leadership roles. Currently, only 41 out of 275 Members of Parliament are women. This situation persists even after the introduction of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act 2024, designed to mitigate gender disparities, raising concerns regarding resource allocation for its implementation.
International organization Abantu for Development advocates for stronger political party commitments to gender equity. They emphasize the necessity of adhering to the new law, which mandates reserving 30% of government appointments for women. Mrs. Hamida Harrison, the Executive Director of Abantu and a member of the Women’s Manifesto Coalition, expressed hope for adherence to this legal framework before the 2024 General Election.
The article discusses the alarmingly low representation of women in the upcoming Council of State elections in Ghana, highlighting the challenges they face in achieving leadership positions within the political landscape. It outlines the context of Ghana’s governance structure, including the role of the Council of State as an advisory body, and the significance of women’s participation in strengthening democratic governance and representation. Moreover, the piece touches on the recent legislative efforts aimed at promoting gender equity as part of a broader movement towards restructuring political representation and leadership. The Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, although passed, is scrutinized for its proper implementation, alongside calls for political party accountability regarding gender inclusiveness, particularly as the nation approaches crucial elections.
The upcoming Council of State elections in Ghana reveal a troubling lack of representation for women, as they comprise only 6% of candidates. Despite significant legislative efforts aimed at promoting gender equity, implementation remains a concern. Organizations like Abantu for Development are urging political parties to commit to the provisions of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, which insists on reserving 30% of appointments for women. Addressing these disparities is crucial for fostering accountable governance and ensuring a balanced representation in political decision-making.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
