By Caleb Kuleke
Ho, Nov. 22, GNA – Mr. Eric Dzakpasu, Volta Regional Director of the Electoral Commission has given assurance that plans were in place to ensure that all vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities (PWDs), women and the aged have access to the polling centres with ease.
He said PWDs would have equal opportunities at the polling centres with the EC having disability-specific structures to guarantee access on voting day.
Mr. Dzakpasu gave the assurance at a forum to discuss measures to ensure gender equality and social inclusion in the upcoming general elections in Ho.
The Regional Stakeholders Dialogue was organised by Network for Women’s Rights (NETRIGHT) in partnership with Global Action for Women Empowerment (GLOWA).
The dialogue aligned with the broader goals of the project “Advancing Gender Responsive Governance and Inclusive Democracy in Ghana”, implemented in partnership with STAR-Ghana Foundation and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
This initiative is rooted in NETRIGHT’s feminist mobilising strategies, which prioritise amplifying the voices of women, young persons, and socially excluded groups to demand gender-responsive, inclusive, and accountable governance.
The dialogue provided a platform for diverse stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education, political parties, Police Service, and civil society organizations, to collaboratively ensure that the 2024 elections reflect Ghana’s commitment to democracy and inclusivity.
Representatives of the various political parties also highlighted the inclusion of the vulnerable groups in their manifestoes, saying, vulnerable groups played major role in accelerating the development of the country.
Ms. Ivy Bedy, Project Officer at GLOWA said Ghana has long been lauded for its democratic credentials, yet it remained among the lowest-ranked countries on the continent in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She said women and other socially excluded groups, such as persons with disabilities and marginalised communities, faced systemic and structural barriers that hindered their full participation in governance and national development.
Ms. Bedy said the 2024 elections presented a pivotal moment to reshape Ghana’s democratic landscape and ensure that every voice counts, especially those of women and marginalised groups.
She said while Ghana prides itself on its democratic credentials, persistent barriers continue to exclude women and vulnerable populations from fully participating in the electoral process.
Ms. Rosemond Ewoenam Atutonu, Executive Director for GLOWA said the dialogue aimed to review a draft election monitoring checklist for observers that would be trained by NETRIGHT.
She said it also aimed to review planned initiatives to ensure an inclusive, efficient and peaceful election, examine the accessibility and protective measures put in place for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, PWDs), and marginalised communities.
Ms. Atutonu said the dialogue offered an opportunity to explore innovative solutions for a more inclusive and equitable electoral process.
“The dialogue will bring together diverse stakeholders to engage in critical conversations on the state of readiness for an inclusive election and propose tangible reforms,” she added.
Dr. Delali Agbolosoo of the National Peace Council called on the citizens to protect the current prevailing peace of the country and avoid acts that would jeaopardise the peace.
He asked politicians to conduct their campaign based on ideas devoid of insults and acrimony.
GNA