Ms Janet Nabla (right), PNC National Women’s Organiser,Madam Aisha Futa (middle), NWO,CPP and Ms Vivian Kwakye Tetteh (left) launching the book.
A book titled: ‘A Gender Analysis of Political Appointments in Ghana since Independence’, was yesterday launched at a short ceremony in Accra.
The publication is collaboration between Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), Ghana and the Institutes of Local Government Studies (ILGS) and aimed at discussing the implications of underrepresentation of women in decision making in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency, reiterated the call for increased participation of women in governance and politics.
He urged the various political parties to preserve seats for female candidates, especially in the parties’ stronghold to increase the number of female parliamentarians.
Mr Ablakwa, who is also the Ranking Member of Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, noted that involving women in decision making process was crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN).
Mr Samuel Kaku, a programme officer of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said the contribution of women to governance and economic development of Ghana cannot be underestimated and called for their inclusion in the development of the country.
He disclosed that the Gender Ministry had drafted an Affirmative Action Bill to address social, cultural, economic and political gender imbalances in the country.
Mr Kaku said available statistics in Ghana showed that there were few women in public office as compared to Uganda and Rwanda.
He noted that Ghana was one of the first African countries to introduce the quota system for women in 1960 with the passage of law allowing for the nomination and election of ten women to National Assembly.
Mr Fritz Kopsieker, FES Resident Director stated that the organisation was established to promote social democracy, development and security of women in the country.
He said there was the need to strengthen efforts at getting more women in decision making to create a just, fair democratic environment.
The FES Resident Director said he was hopeful that Affirmative Action could ensure increased women participation in politics for the development of Ghana.
BY EVANGEL KELVIN AINOO
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