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Appoint more women as MMDCEs …V/R Women’s Organiser appeals
Some party faithful have called on President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President to consider appointing more women as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Ms Delfia Fafa Agbai, the Volta Regional Women’s Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former District Chief Executive (DCE) for North Tongu, said increasing women’s representation in local governance will demonstrate the government’s commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment. Ms Agbai made this appeal at the conclusion of the MMDCE vetting process in Ho on January 28. She expressed excitement over the growing number of women aspiring for leadership roles in the region, noting that 30 women were among the 237 aspirants vetted for the 18 available positions.
“This is a significant improvement from previous years. When I served as a DCE, only six women held similar positions. The increase in female aspirants today is proof that more women are stepping forward to take leadership roles,” she stated.
She acknowledged that many women have, in the past, hesitated to apply for political positions due to fear of intimidation and societal stigma. However, the increasing number of female aspirants this time around is a positive shift.
Ms Agbai urged Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who herself is a strong advocate for women’s rights, to use her influence to ensure more women receive appointments as MMDCEs. “I am appealing to our Vice President, who is also a woman, to encourage the President to appoint more women as MMDCEs.
This will not only empower women but also contribute to the overall development of our communities,” she said. Mr Alexander Gabby Hotordze, Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Tongu, who was also present at the vetting, emphasized that the NDC has a wealth of qualified men and women ready to take on leadership roles.
“The calibre of aspirants we vetted proves that we have capable individuals, both men and women, who are ready to serve. It is important that we continue to provide equal opportunities for both genders in governance,” he noted.
The vetting process, which lasted a week, saw aspirants from across the Volta Region appear before the committee. With the process now complete, the focus shifts to the final selection of MMDCEs who will lead various districts and municipalities in the region.