Ghana

Ghana made history when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nominated Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate to former President John Dramani Mahama for the 2020 general elections. Her nomination marked a significant milestone in Ghanaian politics, as she became the first female to run for vice presidency on a major party ticket. This bold move by the NDC proves a progressive shift towards gender inclusion and amplified discussions around women's representation in governance.

Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has officially assumed the role of Vice President of Ghana following her swearing-in on Tuesday.

The ceremony took place at the iconic Independence Square in Accra, where Chief Justice Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo administered the oath of office.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who served as the running mate to President-elect John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 general elections, has made history as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

Some female politicians in Sunyani have described the late Akua Donkor, the leader and Election 2024 Flagbearer of the Great Freedom Party (GFP), as an inspiring and courageous role model for women in politics, irrespective of their party inclinations.

16 October 2024, Ghana: UN Women recently published The Gender Snapshot 2024. While the report highlighted some positive developments, no indicator under SDG Goal 5, Gender Equality, has been achieved.

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, has urged all women to take active interest in politics to let their voices become a powerful catalyst for political and economic transformation of the country.

The representation of women in Ghana's Fourth Republic Parliament has remained notably low. 

According to Table 1, the percentage of female parliamentarians elected in the 2020 election 40/275(14.55%) marked the highest figure since 1996.

Yet, it falls significantly below the global and sub-Saharan averages of 26.7 per cent and 27.1 per cent respectively. Without deliberate measures, this percentage is likely to decrease by the upcoming elections on December 7.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, expressed concern over the persistent harassment, discrimination, and violence directed at female politicians, candidates, and activists.

The Ministry noted that recent reports indicate that women in politics are subjected to high levels of verbal abuse, threats, and cyberbullying, impacting both their personal lives and professional reputations.