NPP rewards parliamentary candidates - Deputy Minister

Ms Alima Mahama, a Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, on Thursday said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rewarded members who contested last year's parliamentary election with appointments.

She said the party has appreciated the immense contributions of its parliamentary candidates, especially those who lost the elections, and duly appointed them as deputy ministers, directors, district chief executives and members of boards.

Miss Mahama said this during discussion at a day's seminar on "Affirmative action and women in local government elections" organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Accra.

The seminar was aimed at sensitising civil society to promote affirmative action. It also served as a platform to create awareness for women in the local government elections.

The Deputy Minister told the gathering, which was mostly women, that "women who have been identified especially the party faithful have been recognised with appointments" adding, "even though I lost the last parliamentary election, I am now a deputy minister."

She, however, said the government could have done better by appointing women as regional ministers, DCEs and members of boards, adding that political pressures and other considerations may have accounted for this.

Ms Mahama urged FIDA and other women affirmative groups to submit proposals and inputs that would enhance the consideration of women for appointment to higher political/governmental positions.

"The underlying factor for a politician is to consolidate power. Any proposal that would enhance the government's chance in the next elections would be given serious considerations."

Ms Gloria Ofori-Boadu, FIDA Executive Director said to deny women their rights and the opportunity to contribute fully to national development would mean marginalizing majority of the population, which runs contrary to the principles of democracy.

She said the Affirmative Action Policy adopted in 1998 by the previous government recommended that specific laws should be passed to redress the imbalances in opportunity to contribute to national development.