Kadjebi: Women have been urged to develop a keen interest in elective positions to enhance their participation in governance and contribute meaningfully to national development. Participants at a dialogue on the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), held at Kadjebi in the Oti Region, observed that the low participation of women in elective and decision-making positions was hindering Ghana's quest for inclusive development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the dialogue was organised by the Network of Communities in Development (NOCID), a Kadjebi-based non-governmental organisation, in partnership with ActionAid Ghana. Contributing to discussions, Nana Kwasi Kram II, Adontenhene of the Asato Traditional Area, said women constituted about 51 per cent of Ghana's population and their continued low participation in politics and leadership positions was not healthy for the country's democratic growth.
He said although some cultural and traditional practices had contributed to the marginalisation of women in leadership, society must re-examine and reform such practices to create opportunities for women to actively participate in governance. Nana Kram II called on traditional leaders, political parties, civil society organisations and families to support women who aspire to leadership positions.
"We cannot achieve sustainable development if more than half of our population is underrepresented in decision-making processes," he stated.