President John Mahama
The People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed concerns over President Mahama’s seeming disregard for the constitutional mandates on gender equality in governance.
The party has, therefore, petitioned major religious bodies such as the Christian Council, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Catholic Bishops, and the Muslim community, over the matter.
The party argued that President Mahama’s recent appointments show a bold disregard for Article 17(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates Parliament to enact laws promoting gender balance in public office.
“During his campaign, President Mahama explicitly promised to implement the Affirmative Action Law (AAL) and ensure that women receive 30% representation in all his appointments. However, upon assuming office, he has reneged on this promise, thereby violating both his campaign pledge and Article 17(4) of the Constitution,” the party pointed out.
Again, the party cites the Affirmative Action Act of 2024, which requires all government sectors to ensure a 30% minimum representation of women in appointments, including ministerial and deputy ministerial positions.
According to the PNP, the President’s recent appointments have overwhelmingly favoured men, with women comprising only a fraction of key government positions.
“Instead of honouring the law, the President has: appointed only 16% women and 84% men as ministers, appointed only 14% women and 86% men as deputy ministers, and appointed only 10% women and 90% men as cabinet ministers,” the PNP wrote in its February 24 petition.
The People’s National Party therefore, urged religious leaders to demand the President’s compliance to the legal framework of the country.
By Florence Asamoah Adom