Janet Nablah, Chairperson of the People’s National Party (PNP)
Chairperson of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Nablah, has expressed disappointment in Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and the Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Madam Louisa Hanna Bissiw, for remaining silent as President John Dramani Mahama fails to fulfill his promise of allocating 30% of his cabinet positions to women.
Madam Nablah described this as not only shameful and insulting but also a constitutional violation that must be addressed.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, President Mahama named his 19-member cabinet, with only two seats allocated to women, despite his campaign pledge to reserve 30% for women.
Madam Nablah criticized the Vice President for failing to ensure that the President honored his commitment.
She argued that the Vice President had promised to pave the way for more women to serve in government, but the cabinet list has exposed her weakness.
“The Affirmative Bill establishes specific targets for gender representation. It mandates that 30% of all appointments and opportunities be reserved for women, increasing to 35% by 2028 and 50% by 2030. These quotas apply to public office, governance, decision-making, and leadership roles across various sectors. However, President Mahama’s cabinet appointments have violated this law, and it is unfortunate that the Vice President, who pledged to create opportunities for women, has remained silent on the matter.”
Speaking to Kwabena Agyapong on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, she stated, “President Mahama is blatantly violating the constitution. Parliament has passed legislation to address gender inequalities, yet the President has failed to follow through on his promises. Were you deceiving Ghanaians into voting for you? Now that you have our votes, you do as you please. You appointed only two women to the cabinet, representing just ten percent.
“This is a direct insult to Ghanaian women.
“I’m deeply saddened by this. Where are the women of the NDC? This is an insult to them, and it is disgraceful for them to remain silent. Hanna Bissiw, you are the Women’s Organiser, yet you have refused to speak out. You are a disgrace to the NDC and to women. The Vice President is a disgrace to the women of the National Democratic Congress. They must have the courage to confront the President and tell him he has made a mistake. I hold the NDC women responsible for this failure,” she concluded.