The Electoral Commission (EC) has expressed its displeasure over the low number of female candidates participating in the upcoming December 7 general elections.

According to the Deputy Chairman of the Commission, Dr Bossman Asare, this trend is troubling as it reflects a persistent gender imbalance in political representation.

Speaking at a forum in Winneba with key religious leaders and representatives from political parties, Dr Asare said there is a need for inclusive electoral participation.

He noted that only about 120 women are contesting in the parliamentary elections out of more than 800 candidates nationwide.

Dr Asare described the continued low participation of women as "unfortunate," despite the Commission’s efforts to encourage female participation—such as reducing filing fees for female aspirants and persons with disabilities.

He noted that female representation in Ghana’s politics is crucial for fostering balanced decision-making and ensuring that the needs of all demographics are adequately addressed in national policies.

The Deputy EC Chairman stressed that low female representation in Parliament not only hinders progress toward gender equality but also limits the broader socio-political benefits that diversity brings to governance.

“In this year’s nomination, the filing fee for female candidates and persons with disabilities was reduced by 25 percent. So for the presidential election, male candidates paid GH¢100,000 and the female candidates and persons with disabilities also paid GH¢75,000.

“And for the Parliamentary elections, male candidates paid GH¢10,000 and the female candidates and persons with disabilities paid GH¢7,500 and the idea was to encourage more women to take part in the process but unfortunately the numbers that came were not very encouraging,” he added.