PNP criticizes Mahama over gender imbalance in appointments -

The People’s National Party (PNP) has criticized President John Dramani Mahama over what it describes as a grave constitutional violation against the women of this country and the fundamental principles of justice and equity.

In a petition addressed to major religious bodies, including the Christian Council, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Catholic Bishops, and the Muslim community, the PNP accused President Mahama of disregarding constitutional mandates on gender equality in governance.

PNP argued that President Mahama’s recent appointments show a blatant disregard for Article 17(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates Parliament to enact laws promoting gender balance in public office.

Additionally, the party cites the Affirmative Action Act of 2024, which requires all government sectors to ensure a 30% minimum representation of women in appointments, including ministerial and deputy ministerial positions.

However, according to the PNP, the President’s recent appointments have overwhelmingly favoured men, with women comprising only a fraction of key government positions:

“During his campaign, President Mahama explicitly promised to implement the Affirmative Action Law (AAL) and ensure that women receive 30% representation in all his appointments. However, upon assuming office, he reneged on this promise, thereby violating both his campaign pledge and Article 17(4) of the Constitution.

“Instead of honoring the law, the President has: appointed only 16% women and 84% men as ministers, appointed only 14% women and 86% men as deputy ministers, and appointed only 10% women and 90% men as cabinet ministers,” the PNP wrote in its February 24 petition.

The PNP urged religious leaders to publicly challenge President Mahama’s appointment choices and demand compliance with Ghana’s legal frameworks. The party insists that Ghana’s religious institutions, which have long stood for justice, must not ignore issues of gender inequality in leadership.

Below is the statement…

PETITION TO RELIGIOUS LEADER;DEMAND JUSTICE FOR GHANAIAN WOMEN

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