Ghana cannot achieve its desired level of development, without the views of females who constitute more than half of the population.
Mr. Justice Samuel Adjei, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, made these remarks in Sunyani during a public forum, organized by the Brong-Ahafo Regional Office of Action Aid Ghana, to mark the Regional celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day.
The programme, on the theme: “Women Participation in Decision-making – Make it Happen, ” aimed at celebrating the achievements and progress of women in the world.
It was attended by queen-mothers, women groups, members of civil society and non-governmental organisations, heads of institutions, and the general public.
Mr Adjei pointed out that “there is no way the country can achieve the desired accelerated development when the views of over half of its population are not taken into account during decision-making processes at all levels.”
He, therefore, urged women to effectively participate equally with men, to have their perspectives incorporated at all levels of decision-making, from the private to the public spheres of life.
Ms Christiana Amarchey, Brong-Ahafo Regional Manager of Action Aid Ghana, lamented that despite the higher number of Ghana’s female population, only 29 females, constituting 10.5 per cent, are members of the nation’s 275-membership Parliament.
Ms Amarchey noted, however, that the country is committed in upholding women’s rights and ensuring their effective participation in politics and public life.
She, therefore, called for concerted efforts to fight against negative traditional beliefs and practices, and all forms of discrimination which tend to relegate women to the background.
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