Accra: The Information Service Department (ISD) has highlighted the need for increased female participation in governance structures. Mrs. Lilly Bempong, the Central Regional Director of the ISD, revealed that as of 2022, only 19 out of 123 government institutions were led by women, representing a mere 15 percent. In the private sector, only two of the 27 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange were headed by females, underscoring the need for balanced gender representation for effective democratic governance.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Bempong expressed concern over the underrepresentation of women in the political and public sectors, despite constitutional requirements. Speaking at a sensitisation meeting on the Affirmative Action Act 2024, organized by ActionAid Ghana in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education, she emphasized the importance of equal gender representation. Participants at the meeting included Queen mothers and women's groups from the Bono and Ahafo Regions, aiming to promote women's rights.
Mrs. Bempong highlighted Ghana's commitment to gender equality through its participation in key African protocols and charters. Agreements such as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Maputo Protocol advocate for gender parity in representation at all levels. However, the under-representation of women in government remains a barrier to inclusive development, with Ghana falling short of the United Nations benchmark of 30 percent female representation in decision-making positions.
The current state of women's representation in Parliament is concerning, with only 40 women, or 14.5 percent, of the 275 Members of Parliament as of 2020. Regional disparities are evident, with certain regions like Bono, Northern, and Upper West having no women representatives at the District Assembly level. Although historical efforts have been made to recognize women's contributions and promote empowerment, progress towards key representation targets has been slow.
Mrs. Bempong noted that, on average, only three women have served as cabinet ministers since 1997, despite the Cabinet's significant role in government. She identified institutional and political barriers, such as lack of party support and gender-based violence, as obstacles to women's participation in governance. Additionally, structural and cultural factors, including illiteracy and traditional gender roles, further hinder women's involvement.
Despite these challenges, Mrs. Bempong acknowledged that the representation of women in parliament has reached its highest level since 1960. She stressed that achieving inclusive, people-driven development under Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 requires empowering women and youth. The UNDP plans to collaborate with stakeholders to improve women's participation in leadership roles, and the upcoming 2023 District Level Elections present an opportunity to enhance women's involvement in governance. Mrs. Bempong encouraged women to take an active interest and participate in these elections.
