By Frank Kwame Abbor
HO, Oct. 23, GNA — The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ho Central Constituency elections scheduled for Friday, have raised questions about women’s participation in party leadership, with candidates contesting several executive positions.
The election is expected to take place at the Assembly Hall of Ola Girls Senior High School in Ho, following the completion of nominations and the commencement of campaigns.
Campaign competition and political tolerance
The chairmanship race features five candidates: Mr Richard Ahiafor, Mr Stephen Sena Ofori, Mr Mawunyo Agbe, Mr Adeklo Gershion Saint Fortune and Mr Charles K. Adrah. Other contests include the vice-chairmanship, secretaryship, treasurer, organiser and youth organiser positions, while the incumbent Communication Officer, Mr Sefadzi Agama, popularly known as “Sorhé,” faces competition from Mr Cherubin Kofi Zigah and Mr Sefadzi Ahali. Mr Agama has urged candidates to exercise restraint, respect opponents, and avoid personal attacks during the campaign.
Women’s representation: a question of inclusion
The Women Organiser position is being contested by Ms Martha Mawufemor Adzo Gato-Lagble, Ms Ivy Emefa Adiko and Ms Margaret Akua Dzogbewu. For Deputy Women Organiser, incumbent Ms Agorku Janet faces Ms Matilda Esinam Logah and Ms Hajia Zinatu. Ms Sowatey Sylvia Afi is also contesting the Deputy Treasurer position.
However, women’s participation across several other executive races appears limited, prompting questions about their opportunities and willingness to contest positions beyond women-specific offices.
Financial and practical barriers to participation
Mr Ahiafor said he would welcome more women contesting the elections beyond the Women Organiser and Deputy Women Organiser positions, describing their participation as important to building a stronger and more inclusive party. Political analyst Mr Francis Asamani said individual choice and conviction could influence participation, while Mr Daniel Agbezudor identified financial constraints and time commitments as possible barriers. Mr Agama also cited the size of the constituency and the demands of campaigning as factors that could make participation difficult.
Gender bias: are women getting equal opportunities?
The limited number of women in some contests raises questions about access to campaign resources, mentorship and support, as well as possible intimidation or gender-based insults. These concerns require further investigation and should not be treated as proof of discrimination. Consultations with female aspirants, delegates and party officials could help establish why fewer women are contesting some positions and whether party structures provide equal opportunities for qualified members.
What Ghanaian researchers say about women’s political participation
Research by Professor Akosua K. Darkwah and political scientist Gretchen Bauer, published in 2020 under the title We Would Rather Be Leaders Than Parliamentarians: Women and aPolitical Office in Ghana, identified the high cost of politics and hostile campaign environments as disincentives for women seeking elected office.
Zongo caucus coordinator and the search for unity
The Zongo Caucus Coordinator position is being contested by Awulley Seidu, Mr Umaru Usmanu and Mohamed Ibrahim. The successful candidates across the various positions will be expected to promote dialogue, cooperation, and unity among party members after the elections. The contest also presents an opportunity for the party to strengthen internal democracy through respectful campaigning and transparent electoral procedures.
Conclusion and recommendation
The NDC could use the election to assess ways of encouraging broader participation, particularly among women and young people, through leadership mentorship, campaign training, improved access to information and measures to address intimidation or harassment. Ultimately, the election is not only about choosing constituency executives but also about building a political culture in which qualified members have fair opportunities to compete for leadership positions, regardless of gender.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade