Former President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to increasing women’s representation in Ghanaian leadership, stressing that gender equality is crucial for harnessing the country’s human resources. Mahama made this pledge during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) women’s manifesto launch on September 30.
Mr. Mahama promised to increase women’s representation in Parliament, district assemblies, and leadership roles across various sectors. He aims to ensure women hold at least 30% of political appointments through the Affirmative Action Act of 2024. Additionally, he vowed to enact the Property Rights of Spouses Bill, safeguarding women’s rights in marriage, and introduce a Domestic Workers Bill to protect vulnerable workers, predominantly women, from mistreatment.
In a significant move to support working parents, Mahama announced plans to extend maternity leave by an additional month, bringing it to four months. He also proposed a week-long paternity leave for fathers, enabling them to assist mothers during the vital early stages of parenting. However, fathers must provide proof of marriage to access this leave.
Mr. Mahama emphasized that ensuring gender equality in leadership is not just a moral obligation but a crucial step in harnessing Ghana’s full potential. His commitment to gender equality has been welcomed by advocates for women’s empowerment. If elected, his policies could significantly impact Ghanaian women’s lives, promoting greater representation and empowerment in leadership roles.
With these pledges, Mahama seeks to address the longstanding issue of women’s underrepresentation in Ghanaian politics. Currently, women make up only 14% of Parliament and less than 5% of district assembly representation. Mahama’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in politics is expected to bring about meaningful change in Ghanaian society.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
