The Bretuo Tufohemaa of Aburi, Nana Akua Asamoabea I, has made a historic call for the inclusion of women in high political offices, especially as running mates.
She stressed the need for mixed-gender leadership in Ghana.
Women, Nana Akua said, have proven their ability to occupy high office, and that having diverse perspectives would lead to better decision-making.
She cited both international and national constitutions that guarantee women’s rights to leadership and aligned her call with global efforts to close the gender gap in politics.
In a writeup to champion her women running mates advocacy, the Tufohemaa of Aburi said that women and girls need role models in leadership positions and that Ghana should not miss the chance to select a woman as a running mate, which would break barriers and set an example for future generations.
She said, “I believe women’s issues will be sustained on our development agenda when we have the number 2 position occupied by a woman.”
“Women are best placed to set the development agenda and their absence retards women’s progressive development.”
She expressed support for the call made by FIDA Ghana, a women’s rights organization, and urged political parties to consider and elect women as running mates.
She also advised those parties that already have women in such positions to retain them, as this would have a positive impact on women’s representation in politics.
In a special call to action, Nana Akua urged Queen Mothers across the country to stand up and rally support for women running mates.
This, she said, would show a united front from traditional leaders to promote gender equality in the political landscape of Ghana.
As the nation faces these calls for change, all eyes are now on political parties and leaders to respond to this historic call for gender equality in leadership, and to create a more inclusive and representative political landscape.
