By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Dec. 31, GNA – The Women Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana’s 8th Parliament, have called on the National Council of the party to address the alleged imbalance within the party to promote women’s empowerment.
At a Press Conference in Parliament House in Accra on Tuesday, Madam Sheila Bartels, the NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma North, said the Party had seen a dramatic reduction in women’s representation at the outcome of the Election 2024.
Currently in Ghana’s 8th Parliament, women make up only 14 per cent, despite constituting over 51 per cent of the nation’s population.
This has led to calls by the women of the Majority Caucus on the NPP to address the alleged imbalance, to promote women’s empowerment.
As a result, the Caucus has called for the endorsement of Madam Patricia Appiagyei, the current Deputy Majority Leader, to be made the Deputy Minority Leader.
“…We the women of the caucus are calling on the national council to in any decision making to make Mama Pat the deputy minority leader.
“We also call for Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin for the position of minority leader in the upcoming 9th Parliament,” Madam Bartels said.
She noted that research had shown that women in leadership positions could drive positive change, promote feminist legislation, and bring unique perspectives to decision-making processes. Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo, the NPP MP for Abuakwa North, said the endorsement of Madam Patricia Appiagyei, the NPP MP for Asokwa would promote a more collaborative approach, that tends to promote teamwork and inclusivity.
She told the media that to address the underrepresentation of women in Ghana’s leadership, it was essential for the NPP National Council to support women leaders to recognise the value of women’s contributions and ensure their voices were represented at all levels of decision-making.
She said: “Promoting women’s empowerment would also foster a culture of inclusivity and equality, reflecting the values of the party.”
“…Addressing identified these barriers such as cultural and traditional norms that prevent women from participating in politics, is about time,” she added.
Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the NPP MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon, said by taking these steps, the Party and Ghana could move closer to achieving true equality and representation.
GNA