Africa-Press – Ghana. Participants at a post-election forum have renewed calls for sustained electoral and institutional reforms, with particular emphasis on gender inclusion and active involvement of community influencers such as traditional and religious leaders.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) and the Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC), Hajia Alima Sagito, a Women’s Rights Advocate, emphasised the importance of opportunity over prejudice in leadership spaces.
She challenged the persistent narrative that women lacked the capacity to lead, asserting that given equal access to opportunities and resources, women could deliver and succeed.
“It is not about whether the woman has the quality. Give her the opportunity and the right support systems and she will deliver. Women will pull their weight if they are given the chance,” she stated.
According to Hajia Alima, also the Executive Director of SWIDA (Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency), the role of community leadership is crucial in advancing the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Law 2024.
She noted that while traditional leaders had long been gatekeepers in local governance, religious leaders, particularly Imams and pastors, held immense influence and must use their platforms to champion gender equity.
“Our traditional leaders are essential, but our religious leaders are revered. If they go to the mosque or church advocating the Affirmative Action Law, it will greatly increase public awareness and acceptance,” she added.
The forum, held at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Tamale Campus, forms part of post-2024 election reviews, bringing together civil society, traditional leaders, and development partners from Ghana’s five northern regions to assess progress and chart a path for inclusive governance.
At the end of the event, participants reached a consensus on the need for broad-based advocacy, early reform implementation, and grassroots engagement to ensure the translation into real representation and impact of the gains made so far.
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