More women express support for female candidates

Accra, Sept. 24, GNA - Many market women from seven major centers in Accra have expressed their confidence in female Presidential or Parliamentary Candidates for Election 2016.

They said it is high time women play active role in the governance structure.

The market women were expressing their views during various interviews with the Ghana News Agency as part of its GNA Tracks Elections 2016.

The GNA Tracks Elections 2016 project seeks to ensure gender and social inclusion in national politics and also provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and broader spectrum of the society to contribute to peaceful elections.

The markets visited included: Makola, Santana, Kaneshie, Mallam, Madina, Tema Station and Malata.

Abena Konadu, a tomatoes seller at the Madina market, said given the chance, she would vote for female candidates because they have empathy.

Madam Alimatu Sadia, a pepper seller also at the Madina market, said any female candidate who is willing to assist and champion gender issues will attract their vote

Madam Deborah Ansong, a plantain seller at the Mallam Market, said she has decided to vote for females in both the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections explaining that 'we need a mother who can understand the concerns of women and address them accordingly'.

Mrs Cecilia Akoto Mansah, another trader at Mallam Market, said she has decided to vote for Madam Akua Donkor, the leader and flag bearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) in the December 7 polls.

Madam Oforiwaa Acheamponmaa, a tomato seller, said she was very perturbed when Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings Presidential Nominee of the National Democratic Party (NDP) was barred by the EC from contesting the 2012 elections.

Ms Gertrude Otchere, a vendor at the Tema Station market, said she would vote for a female candidate and urge females in leadership positions to avoid exhibiting authoritative postures.

Ms Tawiah Olivia, an underwear seller at the Tema Station market, pledged to support female candidates stressing that women are more passionate and hardworking than men.

She said "a mother will do everything possible to get the best for her child so I will support female candidates in the coming elections".

Other women also based their support for female candidates mainly on gender dynamics stressing women are very compassionate in nature and will understand the concern of other women and address them immediate.

Ms Francisca Ativor, a seamstress at Makola Market, said Ghana touted as a democratic yardstick for developing countries need to step up its affirmative action strategy to create more room for women participation in governance.

She said the current number of women in parliament is woefully low and 'Elections 2016 must offer us the unique opportunity to increase the number'.

Madam Serwaa Konadu, a fish seller at Santana Market near Tesano, commended the gender pace setters; am happy that at least women are beginning to get more interested and active in politics, this would bring a change in decision-making for the nation.

Madam Opeibea Ofei, a vegetable seller, called on the electorate to vote for female candidates in the December polls; 'it my prayer that most, if not all the women contesting in this year's election would win to ensure gender balance in our Parliament'.

Mrs Baaba Maison, a seamstress also at the Santana market, expressed her gratitude to all political parties who have given women the opportunity to play various roles in the parties.

'We are looking up to all the women in politics and hope we are not let down. We wish them well in the coming polls', she added.

Out of 133 women who contested 102 parliamentary seats in Elections 2012 only 29 that is, 21.8 per cent won their seats. Greater-Accra topped the list with 8 women; the Northern and Western regions had the least with one each.

GNA