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Govts urged to reform political systems to accommodate women
Governments have been advised to systemically reform political systems to elevate women’s participation in politics.
Dubbed the 2025 Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Peace Forum, the event brought together political leaders, diplomats, civil society actors, and regional experts from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Australia.
It was under the theme “Amplifying Women’s Voices in Democratic and Political Transitions,”
Also in attendance was Ghana’s Minister of The Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka who represented the President, John Dramani Mahama.
Addressing the delegates, the Liberia Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs Musu Ruhle, said true empowerment of women demands structural changes in political parties, electoral financing, customary law, and transitional justice.
Referencing Liberia’s post-war experience, she highlighted how grassroot women’s peace initiatives ended 14 years of conflict, yet many of those women remained excluded from decision-making.
“Democracy cannot survive unless women have an equal say; security will not be complete until every woman wherever she lives feels safe, heard, and respected,” she stated.
Adding her voice to the call, the Australia High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Berenice Owen-Jones, affirmed her country’s deepening engagement with Africa and its global leadership on peace building.
Ms Owen-Jones announced Australia’s increased voluntary contribution of $15 million annually to the UN Peace building Fund and its leadership in developing a Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, with support from Sierra Leone and other humanitarian actors.
Underscoring gender equality as “a primary predictor of peace, even more so than a state’s wealth or political system,” she reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Adding his voice, the Minister for The Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, noted that, the government was commitment to peace, inclusive governance, and regional security to promote stability in the country.
“Peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice, inclusive governance and respect for human dignity,” he said.
The Sierra Leone High Commissioner, Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, urged governments to reform political systems to make room not just for women’s presence but for their power.
The forum held in Accra on Friday was organised by the Australian High Commission in partnership with the Embassy of Liberia in Ghana, the High Commission of Sierra Leone in Ghana, the West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP) and the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS).
By Cecilia Yada Lagba
At least six people have been confirmed dead following a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra today, November 12, 2025, during an ongoing military recruitment exercise according to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF)
“The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public of a tragic stampede nrinr to the commencement of the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise today Wednesday 12 November 2025 at the El-Wak Sports Stadium, Accra,” GAF confirmed in a statement.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates ahead of scheduled screening surge of applicants hours.
“The unfortunate incident led to the death of 6 potential recruits and many others injured. The injured are currently receiving emergency medical care at the 37 Military Hospital. Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals,” the statement revealed.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased.
The Ghana Armed Forces has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service have launched simultaneous joint operations in parts of the Ashanti, Volta and Ahafo regions to arrest persons linked to recent attacks on anti-galamsey teams and other security officials.
The swoops, which began at dawn on Wednesday, November 12, are taking place in Dadwene and Anwona in the Ashanti Region, Ehi in the Volta Region, and Hwediem, Kenyase, Guaso and Marhani in the Ahafo Region.
According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the exercise is intelligence-led and targets individuals suspected of attacking members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), some police officers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, and journalists.
The Armed Forces and Police warned that anyone who tries to obstruct security operations, especially anti-galamsey activities, will face the full force of the law.
They assured residents in the affected areas that enough security measures have been taken to protect innocent citizens and urged them to remain calm and continue their daily activities without fear.
The statement commended civil society groups, the media and members of the public for condemning the recent attacks on security personnel and encouraged continued cooperation in the fight against illegal mining.
By: Jacob Aggrey
