‘Put measures in place to support more women in mainstream politics’

The government of Ghana has been asked to put pragmatic measures in place to support more women in mainstream politics.

In line with this, the government has been asked to fully implement the affirmative action policy which will widen the political space for more women participation in politics.

The former Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Nana Oye Lithur made the call at a sensitisation forum organised by the Progressive Organisation for Women’s Advancement (POWA) in Accra. The forum was part of efforts to seek for a more comprehensive women involvement in the patriarchal nature of politics.

According to Nana Oye Lithur, when many women participate in politics it would also reduce the canker of corruption in the country.

POWA

The Executive Director of the POWA, Ms Victoria Lakshmi Hammah, said notwithstanding the numerous calls for a gender inclusive approach to development, the reality is that women’s opinions were given a tokenistic consideration as women were by and large relegated to playing marginal roles in almost every facet of society.

The under-representation of women in design, decision-making and implementation, especially within the major policy sectors of society, she noted, undermined the effectiveness of policy interventions that were ostensibly intended to address the concerns of women.

On the prospects of the Ghanaian women in governance the POWA forum reached an agreement that women had a bigger role of promoting accountability and transparency in governance, which could not be exploited to its full potential until they were given prominence in public offices.

The forum highlighted the importance of recruiting and nurturing young females such that they were empowered to take up leadership positions when presented with the opportunity

The forum projected a much better Ghana with women in control of affairs particularly regarding issues of politics and power and who could exude confidence and morality in the dispensation of their duties.

Panel

The forum brought together participants including the Head of the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) at the University of Ghana, Ms Ellen Bortei Doku Aryeetey, President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Dr Lawrance Tetteh, the Dean of Academic Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), Otu Barracks, Accra, Mr Vladmir Antwi- Danso and Board Chair of the Ghana Gas Company Limited, Ms Christine Churcher.