MP Calls for greater representation of women in Parliament, leadership positions

The Member of Parliament for Suame, John Darko, has called for greater representation of women in Parliament and other leadership positions, warning that their underrepresentation deprives Ghana of valuable skills, experiences and perspectives needed for national development.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Young African Women Congress Network (YAWC Network) in Accra on Monday, October 26, 2026, Darko said women, who make up approximately half of Ghana’s population, remain inadequately represented in the country’s principal lawmaking institution.

Representing the Minority Leader, he noted that out of the 276 members of Ghana’s Parliament, only 41 are women.

He argued that meaningful participation of women in political and economic decision-making was essential to building an effective and representative democracy.

Darko therefore urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to remove barriers that prevent women from participating fully in leadership and national development.

The anniversary celebration also featured calls for stronger protection of girls and tougher sanctions against teachers found guilty of sexually abusing students.

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The Executive Director of YAWC Network, Daniel Osei Tuffour, called on the Ghana Education Service and other relevant authorities to revoke the professional licences of teachers found guilty of sexual offences against students.

He argued that transferring offending teachers to other schools was not enough to protect children, insisting that perpetrators must face prosecution and lose their licences.

Meanwhile, the Global President of YAWC Network, Dr Stephanie Wirba, said despite a decade of advocacy, women and girls continued to face barriers to education, healthcare, employment and leadership opportunities.

She highlighted persistent challenges, including child marriage, maternal deaths, girls being denied education and sexual exploitation in the workplace.

The Executive Director also questioned the pace of implementation of Ghana’s affirmative action legislation, urging public institutions to move beyond commitments and take practical steps to improve opportunities for women and girls.

Also addressing the gathering, the Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana Limited, Dr Naomi Wolali Kwetey, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to women's economic empowerment through financial inclusion.

She said CBG, through its Inclusive Banking Department, provides tailored financial services, financial literacy and partnerships to support women entrepreneurs, traders and professionals.

Dr Kwetey stressed that access to finance enables women to expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute to community development, adding that knowledge, networks and market access were equally important.

AM

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