Ghanaian women have been asked to vote for their colleagues who would contest the forthcoming District Assembly Elections to enable them assume leadership positions in the governance of the country. Upper West Regional Minister Alhaji Issahaque Salia, who made the call, noted that the population of women was higher than that of men and that this should translate into votes for women in the polls. He was addressing women candidates, representatives of human rights non-governmental organisations and media personnel, at a workshop on non-violence and participatory elections, in Wa on Wednesday. The event that was organized by the West African Human Rights and Democratisation Programme Alliance attracted participants from Upper West, Upper East and Northern Regions. Topics discussed included: "Preparedness for District Assembly Elections", "Challenges and Prospects of Gender Inclusion in District Assembly Elections" and the "Role of the Media in Promoting Peaceful Local Level Elections". Alhaji Salia called for peaceful polls, stressing: "We all know the essence of peaceful co-existence but the challenge is how to attain peace." He said that Government was taking steps to restructure the district assembly concept because of its significance to the country's democracy. Alhaji Salia appealed to Ghanaians to ensure peace before, during and after voting. He charged the media to report accurately on the event to minimize tension and conflict. He also appealed to journalists to support women candidates as an affirmative action to increase women's participation in decision-making at the district level. Mr Charlie Sam of the Media Foundation for West Africa said the success of the District Assembly Elections would enhance Ghana's political system. He asked the media to be gender sensitive to help increase women participation in governance at the grass roots to prepare them for Parliament and national politics. Alhaji Salia, however, cautioned journalists to avoid mediocrity in their efforts to support women in taking up leadership roles. Madam Afi Yakubu, an Associate Director at Foundation for Security and Development in Africa, noted that women were critical stakeholders in national politics. She, therefore, called for their active involvement in governance to ensure that their voices were heard, especially on issues affecting their development. Source: GNA