The Head of Programs at the Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment (RISE-Ghana) and gender advocate, Jaw-Haratu Amadu, has expressed deep concern over the absence of female candidates in the upcoming Upper East Regional Council of State election, describing it as a setback for women’s participation in governance.
Her remarks follow the closure of nominations by the Electoral Commission (EC) for the election, scheduled for February 11, 2025. Seven male candidates submitted their nomination forms, but no female contender emerged.
According to Ms. Amadu, this development is particularly alarming, given the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, which advocates for at least 30% representation of women in decision-making at all levels.
“We expected that women would step forward to contest, especially with the Affirmative Action law in place. The absence of a single female candidate is a major surprise to us and all advocates for inclusion,” she said in an interview with A1 Radio.
She noted that while women are being appointed to key government positions, elective positions such as the Council of State require active participation. Without female contestants, women will continue to be excluded from key decision-making bodies.
Ms. Amadu warned that the exclusion of women from governance at this level could have serious consequences for the development of the Upper East Region.
“Women have unique perspectives and experiences that shape policies and development efforts. With an all-male representation, issues affecting women, children, and marginalized groups may not be prioritized,” she emphasized.
She further stated that while the regional minister and other top government officials from the region are men, the lack of female representation in the Council of State further limits women’s contributions to governance. Ms. Amadu highlighted several barriers preventing women from contesting, including a lack of awareness and information about leadership opportunities, as well as patriarchal societal norms, where women often need approval from male family members before taking leadership roles.
Among other challenges limiting women’s participation in decision-making, she mentioned gender roles and responsibilities, which make it difficult for women to engage in politics and governance. She also pointed out a lack of confidence, with some women feeling unqualified for leadership positions.
The Head of Programs at RISE-Ghana and gender advocate stressed that intentional efforts must be made to increase women’s participation in governance. While calling on the media to highlight leadership opportunities for women before nomination processes begin, she urged women to actively seek leadership roles and encouraged men to support and motivate women in their communities to take up leadership positions.
“Leaving women behind in decision-making means leaving behind half of society’s potential. We must all work together to ensure that governance structures reflect the voices and needs of everyone,” she stated.
She made these remarks in line with the Heard Everywhere and Represented Daily (HEARD) project, which aims to promote the voice, participation, and inclusion of rural vulnerable youth and women in Ghana’s governance processes and structures, with a focus on the Northern, Upper West, and Upper East Regions. The HEARD project is implemented by RISE-Ghana with support from NORSAAC and other NGOs.
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