WOMEN IN CHARGE!

In Ghana, women constitute about 49.33% of the total population (Ghana Statistical Service, 2018). In spite of the large proportion, women are not well represented when it comes to the issue of governance and that is because of the assumption that a woman’s place is in the kitchen or household chores.
The National Council on Women and Development (NCWD) observed in a survey conducted in Ghana that women are excluded and ignored in making decisions in politics.

However times have changed, women have the ability to participate and be represented in decision-making, having access and control over matters in politics as well as legislative affairs.These have been made possible through the promotion of Gender Equality and women’s empowerment which was the third goal set out in the world and also one of the goals that has influenced Ghana.

A group of women at a national political meeting .

What do you know about women in higher positions?

An example of a woman in charge is Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa.

In July 2018,the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo nominated 4 Electoral Commission top officials Where the current Electoral Commissioner, Jean Adukwei Mensa along with her two new deputies, Samuel Tettey and Eric Bossman as well as another new member Adwoa Asuama Abrefa were all sworn in by President Akufo-Addo on 1 August 2018.

Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa is currently the Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and Co-ordinator of the Ghana Political Parties Programme.

She is a lawyer by profession. She is known for many achievements most of which are in her line of work as a lawyer. Apart from being the head of the election board in Ghana, she also heads the political parties of Ghana as coordinator.

Mrs.Jean Mensah’s attribute towards a peaceful election.

As a woman, Mrs.Jean Mensa has an influence on the youth not only because of her gender but also because of her tilte and experience as a mother. As a woman and a mother, she naturally holds a significant role in peace building which will help her advocate peace amongst the youth in Ghana.

The increase in positive attitudes to Ghanaian citizens can be attributed by Mrs.Jean Mensa ‘s idea to improve the voter register’s credibility and to implement continuous registration processes to make it easier to vote.

According to a research done by University Of Ghana,64.9 percent of Ghanaians are in support of the Electoral Commission to come out with a new voters’ register and most respondents believe a new register will ensure credibility of the election results.

However the EC alone cannot ensure that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent. The youth also have a role to play and in doing so; we will achieve national peace and stability when the younger ones understand the importance of peacekeeping as well as respect the views of one another.

“Peace cannot be kept by force;it can only be achieved by understanding.”
-Albert Einstein

The youth are viewed as vulnerable, powerless and in need of protection. On the other, they are feared as dangerous, violent, apathetic and as threats to security.

Youths are subjected to stereotypical images of being angry, drugged and violent and as threat.They must therefore make decisions to ensure that their actions would promote a safe and peaceful election this year.