Thirty prospective female candidates have been identified to benefit from a new project designed to prepare more women to contest and win positions in Ghana’s local government system.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, disclosed this on Tuesday at the launch of the Strengthening Women’s Capacities for Effective Participation and Representation in Ghana’s Local Governance System project in Accra.
Speaking at the event, she encouraged the selected women to make full use of the opportunity, urging them to build their confidence, strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills, and deepen their understanding of governance processes so they could serve their communities with competence, integrity, and dedication.
She called on stakeholders to work towards a future where women’s participation in local governance becomes the norm rather than the exception.
She said the country should aim for leadership that reflects the diversity of its population and an environment where every woman and girl can aspire to leadership without barriers.
Dr Lartey said the timing was useful as Ghana prepares for the 2027 District Assembly elections, since the initiative offers a platform to identify, nurture, and support a new generation of women leaders.
She noted that the project aligns with ongoing efforts to implement the Affirmative Action Act and to advance gender balance in decision-making.
She explained that the Act requires a minimum of 30 per cent representation of women in decision-making positions from 2024 to 2026, 35 per cent from 2027 to 2028, and 50 per cent by 2034.
The Minister outlined steps the Ministry had taken to implement the Act, including the establishment of a Gender Equity Committee, the submission of legislative instruments to Parliament, and the setting up of a functional secretariat.
She added that the Ministry continues to implement the National Gender Policy 2025–2034, which promotes women’s economic empowerment, leadership development, access to education and skills training, and gender-responsive governance.
Dr Lartey acknowledged the role of President Mahama in advancing gender equality, particularly in his capacity as the African Union Champion of Gender and Development, adding that the President’s advocacy at both continental and national levels would reinforce efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
The project will be implemented by Abantu for Development and Plan International Ghana, and it will target capacity building and leadership development to equip candidates in the electoral process and assume leadership roles.
