Former President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, has made a bold commitment to prioritize women’s empowerment in Ghana. During a presentation session on the NDC’s policy proposition for women and a town hall conversation in Kumasi, Mahama pledged that the next NDC government would reserve 30% of political appointments for women by January 2025.
This move aims to increase women’s participation in governance, speeding up national development and progress. Mahama emphasized that women play a pivotal role in society and deserve full integration into the national decision-making process.
The NDC’s plan is to gradually increase women’s representation, targeting 35% by 2028 and a remarkable 50% parliamentary representation by 2030.
This vision aligns with the party’s Women Manifesto, which prioritizes women’s rights, economic empowerment, education, and healthcare.
To achieve these goals, Mahama outlined several key initiatives. One significant step is granting the Women’s Development Bank a license to begin operations within the first four months of taking office in 2025.
This will provide much-needed support to women in small and medium enterprises, enabling them to upscale their income and become self-reliant.
Additionally, the NDC plans to complete ongoing market projects, build new markets, and expand existing ones. This will create economic opportunities for women and improve their overall well-being.
The party also aims to train 10,000 youth annually in entrepreneurial skills, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
Mahama stressed that women should be positioned as pivotal architects in shaping national governance, rather than mere recipients of governmental policies.
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to utilizing the Affirmative Action law and deepening discussions to implement policies that improve women’s social standards.
The NDC’s mission, as Mahama put it, is straightforward: “Ghanaian women are significant, Ghanaian women are our collaborators on this journey.” By prioritizing women’s empowerment, the party seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where women have equal opportunities to thrive.
As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the NDC’s women-centric policies are likely to resonate with many voters. Mahama’s pledge to empower women has sparked optimism among advocates for gender equality, who see this as a crucial step toward achieving a more balanced representation in Ghanaian politics.
