PNC slams NPP for failing to protect women MPs in parliamentary primaries

The People’s National Convention (PNC) has blasted the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for failing to protect women MPs in its Parliamentary primaries.

The party expressed grave concerns over the declining number of female incumbent MPs after many failed to win the NPP primaries to return to Parliament.

The party expressed fears that this trend might lead to reduced female representation in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

In a statement on the NPP parliamentary primaries and demanding passage of the affirmative action law in Ghana, the party stated “It is disappointing that the NPP did not implement measures to protect women MPs in this election.”

The party also stressed Ghana’s lag in protecting women’s rights and promoting their participation in politics, especially when compared to other African nations like South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, which have already passed similar affirmative action laws.

Referencing religious teachings, the PNC emphasized the equal importance of men and women in societal progress.

“The creation of both Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden shows that God intended for both men and women to contribute to progress and protect His creation. Therefore, it is disheartening to see women being marginalized in politics,” the statement continued.

The PNC pointed out the constitutional provisions against gender discrimination and the mandate for parliament to address inequalities.

It expressed concern over the apparent inaction in passing the Affirmative Action Bill and recalled the words of the UN Secretary-General during the 2018 International Women’s Day celebration in New York, where he urged women to fight for their rights using legal means.

The PNC urged women in Ghana to consider demonstrations and boycotts, including potentially boycotting the 2024 elections, if the Affirmative Action Bill is not enacted before then.