The project Officer of Community Based Organizations-Local Organization and Mobilization (CBO-LOM) of the Ghanaian Danish Community Agency (GDCA), Abdul-Rahman Fatawu has called for the allocation of 80 percent of the 30 percent government’s appointees slot to women to promote women participation and representation at the Metropolitan/Municipal/Districts Assemblies.
This, according to him, would enhance women representation and participation which is currently inadequate in the assemblies.
He blamed the continuous relegation of women in decision and leadership position to cultural defects which regards women as helpers and appealed to traditional authorities and civil society to change the trend by considering women as partners in development.
Mr. Fatawu made this known at the closing ceremony of the 8th annual festival of members from Community Based Organizations (CBOs) from 19 districts of the CBO-LOM operational area in Tamale since 2008.
It was on the theme “Over two decades of decentralization in Ghana prospects and challenges”.
He lamented the over politicization of the assemblies and urged that the assemblies discharge their duties with fear or favour devoid of political consideration.
On successes of their interventions, the Project officer of CBO-LOM of GDCA mentioned tackling of the Fulani herdsmen, women involvement in decision making has increased and has being demanding the election of District chief Executives (DCEs) to make them more answerable to the electorates.
Participants at the end of the festival presented a communiqué which demanded restructuring of party structures from ward level to national and called on government, political parties and other collaborators to lead the process for women participation at all levels of the society.
They also called for the position of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to be elective (MMDCEs) to reduce politicization at the grassroot and as well as make them accountable to the people.
Participants were also of the view that the30% of Government Appointees into the assembly must be given to people of competency as stipulated by Act 462 as that will beneficial to the district.
By: Mashoud Kombat/citifmonline.com/Ghana