Efforts to Boost Women’s Representation in Ghanaian Politics Face Cultural and Financial Barriers

Accra, Ghana – The struggle for increased women’s participation in Ghana’s political sphere continues to face significant cultural and financial hurdles. Despite the anticipated Affirmative Action Bill, which aims to improve women’s involvement in decision-making, various barriers continue to impede gender equality in politics, a goal aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) – five.

According to Ghana News Agency, Ranking Member of Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament and NDC Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, the representation of women in Ghana’s politics has seen only modest gains since the fourth Republic’s inception. The first parliament had only 16 women out of 200 members, with the number slightly increasing to 40 out of 275 members by 2016. However, regional representation, especially in the Upper East Region, remains disproportionately low, with many female candidates losing to male counterparts in elections.

The statement emphasized that despite women slightly outnumbering men in Ghana’s population, they receive inadequate support during elections, which significantly affects their participation in decision-making roles. Mr. Pontius Pilate Appabey, former Director of the National Commission on Civic Education, stressed the importance of women fully enjoying their fundamental human rights and freedoms in a democratic society. He pointed out that prevailing biases and discrimination have substantially hindered women’s political involvement.

Mr. Appabey highlighted the crucial role of women in politics for effective governance and advocated for their increased presence in parliament to promote agendas benefiting women, children, and the overall well-being of society. He also drew attention to the financial challenges political aspirants face, especially women, given the high costs associated with campaigning and the prevalent culture of vote-buying.

Stereotyping poses another significant obstacle, particularly for women who are not natives of the communities they wish to represent. Mr. Appabey argued that such women, by virtue of their roles in their communities, deserve support in political endeavors.

Mr. Yaw Peprah, in charge of the Bolgatanga Municipal Office of the Electoral Commission, called on women to actively participate in elections, noting the low number of female candidates in district-level elections.

The statement concluded with a call for greater support for women in politics, highlighting the need for financial backing and platforms for female aspirants, especially in the upcoming 2024 general election. It emphasized the need to change societal perceptions and biases against women in politics to ensure fair and equal representation.