Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has implored President John Dramani Mahama to recognise and appoint the ‘brilliant and smarter’ women of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to significant leadership positions.
He criticised what he perceives as a lack of gender equity in the President’s appointments.
Afenyo-Markin stated that the NDC possesses a wealth of talented and qualified women both within Parliament and across the nation, yet he believes the current administration is overlooking them for crucial positions.
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“The problem is not the lack of talent. We have brilliant, qualified women in this chamber and across the country,” he declared.
Afenyo-Markin’s appeal was made in Parliament on Tuesday following a statement by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei concerning the Black Queens’ participation in the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
According to him, support for our women must go beyond cheering for them on the football pitch and reflect in how the state appoints leaders, makes policies, and allocates resources.
He lamented the contrast between President Mahama’s stated commitment to achieving 30% representation for women in government positions and the current reality. He stressed that out of over 40 ministerial appointments to the cabinet, a mere four are women. The situation is even more pronounced at the deputy ministerial level, with key ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Communications, and Transport having no female deputies.
“Out of 260 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) appointments, only 28 are women. This is a direct violation of Act 1121, the Gender Equity Law passed by this very House,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.
Drawing attention to Article 78(1) of the Constitution, which mandates that a majority of ministers should be selected from Parliament, Afenyo-Markin argued that numerous female Members of Parliament within the NDC, many holding postgraduate degrees and possessing extensive professional experience, are exceptionally qualified for top governmental roles but are consistently being sidelined.
“If we cannot apply the gender equity principles in this very House, how can we expect the rest of society to follow? We have professors, professionals, and competent women on the NDC side who are capable, yet ignored. Why?” he questioned rhetorically.
Afenyo-Markin urged Parliament to broaden its focus on women’s empowerment beyond the realm of sports.
In a direct appeal, the Minority Leader called on all stakeholders in governance and civil society to uphold their constitutional and moral obligations regarding gender equity.
“This is not a favour we’re doing women. It’s right. If we say ‘our time is now,’ then it must include our women—not just in sports, but across every space of national leadership,” he stressed.