Examining Gender Representation in Ghana’s Parliament

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KEY POINTS

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• Ghana’s Parliament features 40 female MPs, representing 14.5%, signaling modest progress but highlighting the need for structural changes to achieve gender parity.
• Women in politics face societal stereotypes, limited resources, and harassment, creating significant barriers to their participation and leadership roles in Ghana’s governance.
• Quotas, mentorship programs, and targeted funding can improve female representation, fostering diverse perspectives and inclusive policy making in Ghana’s Parliament.

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Ghana’s Parliament has made incremental progress in enhancing gender representation, though the journey remains long and challenging (UNDP, 2016). 

In the 2016 general elections, only 35 women were elected out of 275 Members of Parliament (MPs), constituting a mere 13 percent of the legislature (UNDP, 2023). 

While this was an improvement from previous years, it highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of women in the country’s highest decision-making body. 

By the time of the most recent elections, this number had risen to 40 female MPs, accounting for 14.5 percent of the total parliamentary membership.

This increase, albeit modest, signals a gradual shift in societal attitudes toward women’s participation in politics. 

However, Ghana still lags behind other African countries such as Rwanda, which boasts the highest percentage of female parliamentarians in the world. 

The disparity underscores the need for concerted efforts to address systemic barriers and cultural norms that limit women’s participation in politics (African Journal Online, 2024).

Efforts by advocacy groups and international organizations have played a role in raising awareness about gender equality in governance. 

These organizations often collaborate with local institutions to organize leadership training programs and campaigns aimed at encouraging women to enter politics. 

Despite these initiatives, the numbers remain low, reflecting deep-rooted structural and cultural challenges.

Increasing female representation in Ghana’s Parliament is not merely about achieving numerical equality; it is also about ensuring diverse perspectives in policy making. 

Women bring unique insights to governance, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. 

As Ghana continues its development trajectory, achieving gender parity in Parliament will be crucial for crafting inclusive policies that address the needs of all citizens (UNDP, 2023).

Challenges facing female politicians

Women aspiring to enter politics in Ghana face a myriad of challenges that often deter them from pursuing leadership roles. 

One significant obstacle is societal norms and stereotypes. Traditional Ghanaian culture often emphasizes a woman’s role as a caretaker and homemaker, which can conflict with the demands of a political career. 

This expectation pressures many women to prioritize family responsibilities over public service, limiting their ability to engage fully in politics.

Another significant barrier is limited access to resources. Political campaigns in Ghana are expensive, requiring substantial funding for advertising, transportation, and grassroots mobilization. 

Female politicians often struggle to secure the necessary financial backing, as political parties and donors frequently favor male candidates perceived as more likely to win. 

This economic disadvantage puts women at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.

Female harassment further compounds the challenges faced by female politicians. Women in Ghana’s political arena often encounter gender-based violence, derogatory comments, and personal attacks (African Journal, 2010). 

These experiences discourage many women from participating in politics, as they fear for their safety and dignity. 

For those who do enter the field, these challenges can undermine their confidence and hinder their effectiveness as leaders.

Additionally, the lack of mentorship and support systems poses another barrier. Many women entering politics have few role models or mentors to guide them through the complexities of political life. 

This isolation makes it difficult for them to navigate the political landscape, build networks, and advance their careers.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes public education campaigns to shift societal attitudes, increased funding for female candidates, and the establishment of safe spaces for women in politics. 

By tackling these issues head-on, Ghana can create a more equitable political environment that empowers women to take on leadership roles.

Profiles of 5 female parliamentarians

1. Hon. Sheila Bartels
   
   Hon. Sheila Bartels is a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and serves as the MP for the Kwale District. Known for her advocacy on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, Bartels has been instrumental in promoting initiatives that provide vocational training and job opportunities for young people. 

Despite her accomplishments, she has faced criticism rooted in gender biases, with detractors questioning her capabilities based on her gender rather than her performance.

2. Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson
   
   Representing the Awutu Senya East Constituency under the NPP banner, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson has championed policies aimed at improving education and healthcare in her constituency. 

As a former Minister for Special Development Initiatives, she oversaw the implementation of significant infrastructure projects. However, she has not been immune to the challenges of sexism and public scrutiny, which often overshadow her achievements.

3. Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings
   
   As the MP for the Klottey Korle Constituency and a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has emerged as a vocal advocate for environmental sustainability and women’s rights. 

The daughter of former President Jerry Rawlings, she has leveraged her platform to address pressing social issues. Despite her privileged background, she has faced significant challenges, including navigating the expectations tied to her family legacy and combating gender stereotypes.

4. Hon. Samia Nkrumah
   
   Hon. Samia Nkrumah, a member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and former MP for the Jomoro Constituency, made history as the first woman to lead a major political party in Ghana. 

She has been a staunch advocate for Pan-Africanism and social justice. Her tenure was marked by efforts to revitalize the CPP, but she also encountered resistance within her party and society at large, stemming from her gender and progressive views.

5. Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
   
   As the MP for the Ablekuma West Constituency and a member of the NPP, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has been a trailblazer in the technology sector. 

Serving as the Minister for Communications, she has driven initiatives to expand Ghana’s digital infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity. Despite her successes, she has faced criticism often rooted in gendered perceptions rather than substantive policy disagreements.

Opportunities for improvement

To address the underrepresentation of women in Ghana’s Parliament, several opportunities for improvement must be explored. One key strategy is the implementation of quota systems. By reserving a certain percentage of parliamentary seats for women, Ghana can ensure a minimum level of female representation (UNDP). 

Countries like Rwanda have demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, achieving gender parity in their legislatures.

Mentorship programs also offer a viable solution. By connecting aspiring female politicians with experienced leaders, these programs can provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities (African Journal Online, 2010). 

Mentorship can help women navigate the political landscape, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to succeed in politics.

Increasing funding for female politicians is another crucial step. Establishing dedicated funding pools or grants for women can level the playing field and enable more women to compete effectively in elections. 

Political parties can also play a role by prioritizing female candidates and providing them with resources and support (African Journal Online, 2010).

Finally, public education campaigns can help shift societal attitudes toward women in politics. 

By challenging stereotypes and highlighting the contributions of female leaders, these campaigns can foster a culture that values and supports women’s participation in governance.

Key figures

The current percentage of female representation in Ghana’s Parliament stands at 14.5 percent, with 40 female MPs out of 275 seats. 

While this marks a slight improvement from previous years, it underscores the urgent need for action to achieve gender parity (UNDP, 2023). 

Comparatively, countries like Rwanda, where women hold over 61 percent of parliamentary seats, demonstrate what is possible when deliberate policies are implemented.

By addressing these challenges and leveraging the opportunities outlined above, Ghana can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative Parliament. 

Such progress is essential not only for the advancement of gender equality but also for the overall development and prosperity of the nation.