ABANTU for Devt, Plan Int’l Ghana launch project to strengthen women’s capacities

ABANTU for Development, in partnership with Plan International Ghana on Wednesday launched a project aimed at strengthening women’s capacities for effective participation and representation in Ghana’s local governance system in Accra.

With support from the Government of Canada, the project seeks to equip women, particularly young women and women with disabilities with leadership, advocacy and campaign skills to enable them to contest and influence local governance processes.

It is also expected to support the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), while advancing inclusive and gender-responsive governance in Ghana.

The launch brought together stakeholders from government agencies, district assemblies, women’s rights groups, civil society organisations, development partners, the media, people with disabilities, young women leaders, and community representatives to explore ways of working together to boost women’s political participation and representation in Ghana.

Launching the project, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the initiative as a timely investment in women’s leadership ahead of the 2027 District Level Elections to identify, mentor and support a new generation of women leaders capable of shaping governance and development at the local level.

She added that the initiative aligns with national efforts to implement the Affirmative Action Act and accelerate progress towards gender-balanced representation.

“We are not simply preparing women to contest elections. We are investing in a future where leadership is more inclusive, representative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all citizens,” she said.

Dr Lartey announced that 30 prospective female candidates will directly benefit from targeted training and mentorship under the project, urging them to build confidence and strengthen their leadership capacity.

In a welcome address, the Executive Director of ABANTU for Development, Dr Rose Mensah-Kutin, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in local governance.

She stressed that the passage of the Affirmative Action Act presents a critical opportunity to reverse long-standing gender disparities in governance.

Speaking on behalf of the Convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo, the Coordinator, Ms Becky Ahadzi, noted that women currently account for only about 4.1 per cent of elected assembly members, highlighting the urgent need for deliberate action.

She described the Affirmative Action Act as a landmark framework that sets clear targets of 30 per cent representation, rising to 35 per cent by 2028 and achieving parity by 2034.

She stressed that the 2027 District Level Elections will be a critical test of the law’s implementation, calling for immediate action to prepare women candidates.

Ms Ahadzi further called for constitutional reforms to introduce quotas in Parliament and local government assemblies to strengthen women’s political participation.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie