Ghana's Electoral Commission Highlights Gender Imbalance in Political Representation
The Deputy Chairperson of Ghana's Electoral Commission, Dr. Bossman Asare, has expressed concern over the low participation of women in the upcoming December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. His comments came during a forum held in Winneba, Central Region, aimed at discussing electoral processes and promoting a peaceful election season.
Dr. Asare pointed out that only 120 women are contesting among over 800 candidates nationwide, underscoring the gender imbalance in Ghana’s political landscape. He emphasized that greater female representation is essential for balanced decision-making that addresses the perspectives and needs of all demographics in the country. “Women’s voices in politics foster inclusive policies, which ultimately benefit the entire society,” he explained.
In an attempt to encourage more women and people with disabilities to participate in the electoral process, the Electoral Commission reduced filing fees by 25% for these groups. Male candidates were required to pay GH¢100,000 for the presidential election and GH¢10,000 for parliamentary seats, while female candidates and persons with disabilities paid GH¢75,000 and GH¢7,500, respectively. Despite these financial incentives, the number of female candidates remains disappointingly low, which Dr. Asare described as "unfortunate."
Dr. Asare’s remarks were part of the forum themed "Enhancing the Electoral Process and Fostering Peaceful Co-existence." The event brought together religious leaders and political party representatives to engage in discussions on electoral transparency and peace-building. He noted that a fair representation of women in political offices not only enriches national dialogue but also strengthens the country’s democratic foundation.
The Deputy Chairperson underscored the need for sustained efforts to empower women politically, encouraging communities and organizations to support female candidates and cultivate leadership skills among women. He believes that increased female participation is key to creating a more equitable society where diverse voices shape national policy.
Dr. Asare’s appeal adds to ongoing conversations about gender equity in Ghana’s politics, highlighting that true democracy involves inclusive representation. Although progress has been made, he acknowledged that more work is needed to address barriers that discourage women from seeking political office, such as social stereotypes and financial constraints.
The forum concluded with a call to stakeholders across political and religious spheres to promote peace and inclusivity in the upcoming elections. Dr. Asare emphasized that a diverse political landscape leads to more holistic development, which ultimately benefits all citizens.
This message aligns with Ghana’s broader goals of increasing political participation among women and other underrepresented groups, a challenge that Dr. Asare hopes will be actively addressed in future elections.
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