WOMEN AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS: A REFLECTION AHEAD OF DECEMBER 2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN GHANA BY MUTA-WAKILU MAHAMA
Table of content
Overview of women and youth participation in Ghana's politics
The importance of women and youth participation in Ghana's politics
Challenges confronting women and youth participation in Ghana's politics
Recommendations to promote women and youth participation in Ghana’s politics
Conclusion
Overview of women and youth participation in Ghana's politics
Despite notable progress, the inadequate representation of women and youth in Ghanaian politics remains a pressing issue (Agyemang & Amisah, 2023; UN Women, 2020). Despite constitutional guarantees, the gender gap is glaring, with only 40 out of 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) being women as of 2023, accounting for just 14.5% and placing Ghana at a concerning 107th out of 153 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report (Agyemang & Amisah, 2023; UN Women, 2020). Positive developments include a consistent increase in women in parliament since the 1990s and a rising interest in local government and electoral processes, fostered by initiatives like the 2015 national gender policy (Agyemang & Amisah, 2023). Yet, persistent challenges like cultural norms, financial constraints, limited political networks, and gender-based violence hinder further progress, necessitating intensified efforts for equitable representation and empowerment of women in Ghana's political sphere.
Ghana's youth, constituting over 60% of the population under 35 years old, face low political participation despite their demographic significance (Ghana Statistical Service, 2020). Traditional party structures and financial barriers limit youth involvement, with parliamentary representation standing at less than 5% (Akwetire & Boateng, 2020). Urgent measures are needed for more inclusive engagement of the younger population in governance, with promising initiatives like youth quotas and capacity-building programs emerging (Akwetire & Boateng, 2020). These endeavours not only have the potential to increase youth participation but also ensure their impactful contributions in shaping Ghana's future.
The importance of women and youth participation in Ghana's politics:
The engagement of women and youth holds substantial importance in Ghana's political landscape, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, as their active involvement significantly contributes to the country's democratic progress and governance. Notable strides have been taken to promote women's participation, including calls for a female president and ongoing initiatives by organizations like the International Republican Institute (IRI) to eliminate barriers to women's engagement (Business Ghana, 2023; International Republican Institute, 2022). Despite these positive steps, challenges persist, requiring continual support to address the obstacles faced by women in Ghanaian politics (International Republican Institute, 2022).
The youth in Ghana have also emerged as crucial contributors to the political sphere, particularly evident in the preparations for the 2024 elections. The launch of the Ghana Youth Manifesto (GYM) reflects the aspirations and concerns of young people, offering a roadmap for their more equitable and meaningful involvement in governance and elections (Arko, 2023). Various youth groups and organizations actively advocate for increased participation in decision-making and leadership roles (Arko, 2023).
As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, the active participation of women and youth is expected to play a crucial role. Their involvement not only nurtures a more inclusive and representative democracy but also introduces diverse perspectives and priorities. Organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stress the significance of meaningful youth engagement in the electoral process, emphasizing the need to prioritize youth participation in all development initiatives (Arko, 2023). Similarly, efforts to support women's inclusion and opportunities in politics are essential for achieving a balanced and representative political landscape during the 2024 elections and beyond (International Republican Institute, 2022).
Challenges confronting women and youth participation in Ghana's politics
The complexities surrounding women and youth engagement in Ghanaian politics pose substantial impediments to achieving fair representation. Despite constitutional guarantees of political rights for women, a pronounced gender gap persists, with women notably underrepresented in government and various public spheres (Gyekye-Jandoh, 2021; Azinim & Musah, 2023; Sossou, 2011). The limited roles afforded to women, often confined to titles such as "women's organiser" and "deputy women's organiser," signal a lack of prioritization for their involvement in decision-making processes (Gyekye-Jandoh, 2021). Similarly, youth encounter challenges in political participation, including restricted access to resources, inadequate political education, and exclusion from decision-making (Muchunu, 2018).
Cultural and societal norms further hinder the engagement of women and youth in politics, reinforcing structural barriers like limited access to funding and political networks (Gyekye-Jandoh, 2021; Azinim & Musah, 2023; Muchunu, 2018). Ongoing initiatives by organizations such as the International Republican Institute (IRI) underscore the critical need to evaluate and eliminate these barriers, enhancing the involvement of women and youth in political processes (Gyekye-Jandoh, 2021; International Republican Institute, 2022).
Looking ahead to the 2024 elections in Ghana, women and youth are expected to confront challenges such as barriers to political participation, persistent gender inequality, and the imperative to counteract democratic backsliding. Despite robust voter turnout in the previous election cycle, women encountered obstacles as both voters and candidates, as emphasized by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). It is imperative to assess and eliminate barriers to political participation for women, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, concerns about democratic backsliding and the need for enhanced inclusion persist within Ghana's stable multiparty democracy (International Republican Institute, 2022). Tackling these challenges is crucial for nurturing a more inclusive and representative political landscape in Ghana.
Recommendations to promote women and youth participation in Ghana’s politics
To enhance the active involvement of women and youth in Ghana's politics and address prevailing challenges, several recommendations can be proposed. Firstly, comprehensive policy reforms are essential to tackle the substantial gender gap and structural barriers constraining the roles available to women in decision-making processes (Gyekye-Jandoh, 2021). Targeted efforts should concentrate on dismantling cultural and societal norms that sustain gender inequality and impede the active engagement of women in political spheres (Azinim & Musah, 2023). Moreover, prioritizing initiatives that provide financial support and enhance access to political networks for women and youth can alleviate constraints related to resources (Muchunu, 2018).
The implementation of political education programs geared towards the youth is crucial to overcoming their exclusion from decision-making processes (Muchunu, 2018). Collaborative endeavours involving governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations, and institutions like the International Republican Institute (IRI) are vital for evaluating and eliminating barriers hindering the engagement of women and youth in politics (Gyekye-Jandoh, 2021; International Republican Institute, 2022). Special attention should be directed towards creating a supportive
environment for women to pursue various positions, surpassing traditional roles like "women's organiser" and "deputy women's organiser" (Gyekye-Jandoh, 2021).
With the approaching 2024 elections, a proactive stance is imperative to address potential challenges, including the establishment of mechanisms to assess and eliminate barriers specific to women, youth, and people with disabilities (International Republican Institute, 2022; National Democratic Institute). Additionally, efforts to counteract democratic backsliding should encompass a commitment to greater inclusion within Ghana's stable multiparty democracy, ensuring a just and representative political landscape for all citizens. The implementation of these recommendations is crucial for fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and representative political environment in Ghana.
Conclusion
While there have been notable advancements in fostering the involvement of women and youth in Ghanaian politics, persistent challenges persist. Issues such as the inadequate representation of women in government, limited avenues for youth engagement, and enduring cultural barriers continue to impede progress. Achieving fair and inclusive participation requires comprehensive policy reforms, targeted support programs for women and youth, initiatives focused on political education, and the deliberate dismantling of gender norms. As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, it is imperative to proactively tackle these challenges, fostering inclusivity for a vibrant and representative democracy. Prioritizing the suggested recommendations will pave the way for a future where women and youth play active roles in shaping the political landscape of the nation.
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