Akufo-Addo disappointed us on gender equality – Women's groups

Policy of Monday, March 18, 2019

Source: Graphic.com.gh

2019-03-18

In Ghana, women's groups have expressed concern that the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, recently appointed 14 people, who needed to be examined by parliament while the ministers had only one minister. wife.

In a statement, the group said, "We are extremely disappointed with this appointment as we believe that all appointments in the states must be undertaken as part of the overall commitment to gender equality. for women and men to value and use the diversity of lived experiences. means that are democratic and define an authentic and equal citizenship. "

Below is a copy of the complete declaration

WOMEN'S GROUP DECLARATION IN GHANA ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS TO NEW REGIONS

We have learned with dismay and consternation of the nomination of Her Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic, of 14 persons appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers for the newly created regions and certain existing regions of the country.

We are dismayed because this list contains the names of thirteen (13) men and one (1) woman.

We are extremely disappointed with this appointment, as we believe that all appointments to States must be part of the overall commitment to gender equality so that women and men can value and use the diversity of experiences in a democratic way and defining authentically and equally. citizenship. Article 35 (6b) of Ghana's 1992 Constitution states that the country must: "achieve a reasonable balance between men and women, in terms of recruitment and appointment to public office".

The male-to-female ratio in this list is barely 6.25% for women named to men.

It can not be said that this is "reasonable" and does not represent a genuine act of taking gender into account, but instead reinforces critical gaps and challenges in gender equality. Again, this appointment does not reflect the current position of the President as the champion of the African Union for gender.

In line with its program for gender equality, the African Union (AU) calls on all Member States to achieve parity and equal representation of men and women in political and public functions.

It is on the basis of this principle of parity that Ethiopia, Rwanda, Senegal and other sister African countries are progressing towards the equal nomination of women and men to high political positions. level.

This list of ministers designated to manage these regions also does not reflect the provision of the ruling party manifesto which promises to appoint at least 30 percent women representation and representation at all levels of decision-making in Ghana. . We sincerely acknowledge the significant progress made in placing women individually in high-level positions, but we still do not enjoy the benefits of the gender leadership teams. Gender equality is a prerequisite for addressing the challenges of poverty reduction, peace and security promotion, and improving the quality of our human capital.

We therefore require that:

1. The list of designated ministers and deputy ministers for newly created regions and certain existing regions be recalled and reviewed to ensure gender equality

2. Forms should not be applied to less than 40% of women and not more than 60% of men or 40% of men and 60% of women

3. Any government appointment should reflect the 40-60 formulas or the 50-50 program of the African Union.

We take this opportunity to also call on the Speaker of Parliament and all parliamentarians to ensure that gender equality and equality are at the heart of all appointments submitted to Parliament for approval. Gender inequality and gender disparities have contributed very realistically and substantially to Ghana's inability to provide better conditions for all citizens.

Signed 1. Women's Manifesto Coalition 2. Women and Law in Africa and Development 3. Abantu for Development 4. International Federation of Women Jurists (IFAD), Ghana 5. Women in Media and Change (WOMEC) 6. Free the human rights defenders Marginalized Women (FREMWA) 7. Caritas Ghana 8. Golden Star Foundation 9. Voices of People with Disabilities, Ghana (Voice Ghana) 10. Center for Research and Resources for Children (CRRECENT) 11. Development Center Community and Advocacy (CODAC) 12. Action for Sustainable Development (ASUDEV) 13. SMAid International 14. Penplusbytes 15. Pronet North 16. 4-H Ghana 17. Women's Association for the Preservation of the Environment 18. Youth Empowerment for Life (YefL) 19. NORSAAC 20. Coalition for the Ghana Education Campaign (GNECC) 21. Community of Our Lady of Mercy (OLAMCS), Navrongo 22. Ghana Penal Reform (PRG) 23 African Center for Foreign Affairs (CEDAW) 24. Emancipation of Young People and Women (WOYE) 25. Lorlornyo FM 26. Ghana Community Radio Network 27. Radio Builsa 28. Radio Ada 2 9. Radio Justice 30. Daasgift Foundation for Quality 31. CILTAD / Coastal television 32. Kekeli Foundation 33. Volta Educational Renaissance Foundation (VEReF) 34. Children's Research and Resource Center (CRESCENT) 35. ABANTU for development 36. Amnesty International, Ghana 37 Ghana Association of Journalists (GJA) 38. Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) 39. Regional Advisory and Network Information Systems (RAINS) 40. Arche Development Organization 41. Community Development Association of Ghana (GDCA) 42. Organization for the Integrated Promotion of Women (WIDO)) 43. Association for the Improvement of Fish Trade in Central and Western Europe (CEWEFIA) 44. Women's Hope Foundation 45. Center for development of the population (CEDEP) 46. Peoples' Dialogue on Human Settlements (PDHS), 47. SMAid International 48. Local Governance Network (LOGNET). 49. People's Party of the Convention (CPP) 50. PMO of Odekro 51. Union of Musicians of Ghana (MUSIGA)