Accra: The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has issued a challenge to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to select a female candidate as its running-mate for the 2028 general elections, emphasizing the importance of gender empowerment.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ayariga, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, highlighted that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had set a precedent by appointing Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as its running-mate, who subsequently became Ghana's first female Vice President. This move marked a significant milestone in the nation's political landscape.
During a session in Parliament, Mr. Ayariga responded to comments from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, regarding President Mahama's commitment to gender equity. He refuted allegations that the Mahama-led Government had appointed only a few women to ministerial positions, asserting that the NDC was paving the way for gender inclusion.
Mr. Ayariga proposed that the NPP allow female candidates to run unopposed in constituencies considered 'safe seats' within their strongholds, particularly in the Ashanti region. He suggested the NDC adopt a similar approach in the Volta region to ensure a robust representation of women in Parliament, thereby expanding the pool of potential female ministers.
In a pointed remark, Mr. Ayariga noted the Minority Leader's newfound advocacy for gender issues, recalling how, as a Majority Leader, he failed to safeguard female MPs' seats during the last elections, leading to significant losses. This comment elicited laughter and applause from both sides of the parliamentary aisle.
Earlier, Afenyo-Markin criticized President Mahama for not fulfilling his promise to appoint 30 percent of females to his Cabinet. He pointed out that qualified women MPs on the majority side were being overlooked for ministerial roles, and only 28 women had been appointed as mayors and Chief Executives of various assemblies.
