The People’s National Convention (PNC) has described opposition to government’s decision to formalise payment of emoluments to spouses of the President and his Vice, as repulsive and an attempt to derail the progress of women in the country.

According to the PNC, opposition of the proposed scheme undermines the country’s agenda for gender parity, and further sidelines women in governance.

The PNC stated in a press statement that it is rather unfortunate that some Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, Political Parties, and individuals have kicked against the scheme, citing Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution, yet have turned a blind eye to blatant infringements of the Constitution concerning gender equality in governance.

“For instance, article 35(6b) of the directive principles of state policy has stated that state institutions should be mindful of the gender factor when recruiting, this provision has been flouted on uncountable occasions, yet the opponents of this scheme have never gotten angry over the flouting of this constitutional directive only for them to find their voices when something good is going to benefit women,” the statement read.

The PNC added that such opposition to schemes that would benefit women has contributed to the country’s tone-deaf attitude towards gender issues and portrays Ghana as a backward nation.

“The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s world classification on women in politics placed Ghana under 145 out of 180 countries during their survey. In addition, Ghana was seen to be lagging behind countries such as Togo, Niger amongst others,” it said.

“Those kicking against any policy or decision that would better the lives of women should bow down their heads in shame,” it added.

The Party further stressed that the encouragement of such opposing views against the emoluments scheme only further entrenches the local belief that women are only fit for unpaid labour.

“Women in Ghana have offered unpaid labour for a long time, and it is high time they are rewarded. For example, it is generally believed that cleaning the home is a woman’s job, but men are in corporate organizations, institutions such as the hospitals doing the same work and taking salaries.

“Cooking is usually done by women at home, but men are on roadside, restaurants, hotels cooking, calling themselves chefs and receiving salaries. Lastly, the same men who don’t do laundry at home are those managing laundry services in Ghana.

“They wash and iron without being ashamed, and the conclusion one can draw is that a job that does not attract salary is regarded as women jobs whiles men keep the paying jobs,” it said.

It stated that the Party would not support the fight to deny the spouses of the President and the Vice what is due them, and instead welcome the recognition of their work through the payment of emoluments.

 “The opponents of the scheme should know that they are not fighting against the 1st and 2nd ladies but the economic status of women in Ghana and the Affirmative Action bill yet to be passed and the PNC as a party will not support such acts,” it said.