PNC General Secretary lauds Akufo-Addo for appointing more women Deputy Ministers

The People’s National Convention (PNC) has applauded President Akufo-Addo, for giving 26% of representation to women in his newly-released deputy ministerial appointments as against 16% of same in his first term.

“This decision is a major step forward for gender equality and women's empowerment in Ghana with direct implications for women's broader engagement in national decision-making. It is also a strong message to all women in Ghana- young and old, that the sky is not even the limit in their quest for greatness.”

“Although there is more room for improvement, the PNC sees this as a sign of good gesture by the president towards the women of Ghana and wants to thank him on their behalf. We impress on the president to replicate this kind gesture in the appointment of the Board of Government Agencies and Public Enterprises, Chief Executive Officers of state corporations, the MMDCEs amongst others, in line with the Geneva Convention on gender parity,” the party said in a statement.

It charged the female nominees to live up to expectations and to give credence to the saying “what men can do, women can do better”.

“This is the only way for them to ensure the future appointment of more women in government,” it added.

The party further advocated for the immediate passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law.

“We believe this will go a long way to alleviate the plight of women and further increase their participation in the governance of this country.”

The PNC pledged to see to the appointment of not less than 40% of women in appointed positions should it be voted into power.

10 out of the 39 deputy nominees who were announced on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 for the 24 portfolios are women,

The female deputy ministers-designate include Abena Osei-Asare [Finance], Nana Dokua Asiamah Adjei [Trade and Industry], Diana Asonaba Dapaah [Office of Attorney General & Ministry of Justice], Gifty Twum-Ampofo [Education], and Tina Gifty Mensah [Health]

Others are Mavis Nkansah-Boadu [Roads & Highways], Naana Eyiah Quansah [Interior], Ama Pomaa Boateng [Communications & Digitalisation], Lariba Zuweira Abudu [Gender, Children & Social Protection], and Fatimatu Abubakar [Information].

Two of the nominees – Abena Osei-Asare and Tina Mensah – maintained their portfolios from the president's first term.

Gifty Twum-Ampofo and Nana Dokua Asiamah Adjei, who previously served as Deputy Ministers of Gender and Information have been moved to Education and Trade respectively.

Read the full statement below:

STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY MINISTERS DESIGNATE

The PNC applaud the president, His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo, for giving 26% of representation to women in his newly deputy ministerial appointments as against 16% of same, in his first term. This decision is a major step forward for gender equality and women's empowerment in Ghana with direct implications for women's broader engagement in national decision-making. It is also a strong message to all women in Ghana- young and old, that the sky is not even the limit in their quest to greatness.

Although there is more room for improvement, the PNC sees this as a sign of good gesture by the president towards the women of Ghana and wants to thank him on their behalf. We impress on the president to replicate this kind gesture in the appointment of the Board of Government Agencies and Public Enterprises, Chief Executive Officers of state corporations, the MMDCEs amongst others, in line with the Geneva Convention on gender parity.

We implore on the fortunate women who are appointed to live up to expectations and to give credence to the saying 'what men can do, women can do better'. This is the only way for them to ensure future appointment of more women in government.

It is our call for the immediate passage of the long-awaited Affirmative Action Bill into law. We believe this will go a long way to alleviate the plight of women and further increase their participation in the governance of this country.

A future PNC government shall see to the appointment of not less than 40% of women in appointed positions. We believe in the competency of women in management of our affairs.

PNC: Service with honesty.

-signed-

Janet Asana Nabla

General Secretary

—citinewsroom