USAG wishes women parliamentary aspirants well

Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - The Women's Commission of the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG) on Wednesday expressed their solidarity with all females aspiring for seats in the next Parliament. "We wish all females aspiring for seats in Parliament the best of luck and victory in Tuesday's elections," a statement issued by the Association in Accra said.

"A vote for our women is a vote for success, development, peace and progress."

The statement said this was the time women had to rise to share the seats in Parliament and take part actively in decision making for the nation's development.

It noted that in the past many lamented the inability of women to offer themselves as alternatives and competitors in elections, saying that the 2004 Election served as a landmark for a change in the attitude and political composure of women.

At least 100 women are on record as having filed their nominations with the Electoral Commission to context for parliamentary seats in the December 7 polls, either on the ticket of political parties or as independent candidates.

"Seeing many women in Parliament after the elections will go a long way to improve the quality of life of women and children and the ultimate beneficiary will be our dear nation, Ghana."

The statement noted that females, who formed about 52 per cent of the country's population, were strategic stakeholders in all facets of national life, including decision-making.

It, therefore, urged all eligible voters, including men, to put their weight behind the women aspirants and vote for them to come to power to affirm the much debated issues of gender equity and development.

It urged the women aspirants themselves to be calm, resolute and courageous on their electioneering campaign trips. ensure a conflict-free and peaceful election. Mr. Mahammed Ayariga of the NDC agreed that this was the only period in the history of Bawku that candidates were campaigning freely and cheering each other on the streets.