The Minority women caucus in Parliament have urged the National Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) to “stand firm and insist on the full implementation of its new policies it introduced a few days ago.
The NEC decided to among others allow only female aspirants to contest the seats of the existing 16 female NPP Members of Parliament.
[contextly_sidebar id=”zxD2uHRgCYfdr9loPPgtTsQ6JdO0esGw”]But the decision has been criticised by many who deem it morally incorrect and inappropriate.
However a press statement issued by the group in Parliament on Thursday indicated that rejoice that in furtherance of these public commitments, Ghana has taken this “historic decision to allow women only short lists in the 16 constituencies currently held by NPP female MPs.”
According to the group, “the idea of reserving 3% of all seats in Parliament for women as the acceptable minimum, was set by Beijing Platform for Action and the United Nations”
It further more indicated that the four major parties in Ghana,”including the NPP, in 2009 under the auspices of the IEA, signed an undertaking to reserve 30% of all positions in all their party structures, including parliamentary seats to women.”
“This bold decision must be applauded and emulated by all other parties….”
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Chairperson for the group,Esther Obeng Dapaah said directive was expected because it is a policy that will promote the rights of women.
She further urged the NEC to stand firm in all those challenges since the stiff opposition coming from various quarters will be subsequently managed.
“What is happening is only a minor thing and I think it can be managed,” she said.
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By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana