The Leading Ladies Network, an advocacy group, is partnering with the Electoral Commission to enforce the role of women in governance and to increase their participation in the 2024 general election.

In an intensive sensitisation effort, 240 first-time voters in the Ashanti region have been engaged in voting rights, and proper voting practices to pique women’s interest in governance and leadership. 

In 2020, there were over 17 million valid voters in Ghana, out of which the majority were females, around 8.8 million, as against 8.2 million men.

Women voters therefore can provide the influence over the electoral and governance landscape of Ghana and inspire inclusion.

Under the Theme: ‘Ghana’s Governance and Democratic Process: My Role as a Citizen and a Voter’, the Leading Ladies Network in partnership with Fabulous Woman Network, has engaged 1,500 Ghanaian girls aged 14 to 18 in a Girls Governance Camp Programme.

The network maintains that girls who are first-time voters need to understand Ghana’s governance and democratic processes to be able to make informed decisions at the December 2024 polls. 

The girls will develop and strengthen their skills in leadership, effective communication, collaboration and teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and presentation. 

Founder of the Leading Ladies Network, Yawa Hansen-Quao, recounts levels of apathy observed among young people.

She indicated the girls' governance camp equips first-time voters with relevant knowledge about Ghana’s electoral processes to vote responsibly. 

“The focus for our 2024 camp programs is to equip first-time voters; namely, the youth reps from the various political parties in Ghana as well as girl student leaders from peri-urban communities, to vote responsibly. This exercise also addresses voter apathy.

The girls will develop and strengthen their skills in leadership, effective communication, collaboration and teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making and presentation,” she said.

Atwima Kwanwoma district electoral officer, Elizabeth Ofori, says the involvement of well-informed voters in electoral processes will change the political landscape of Ghana positively. 

“Women are a lot more than men. That is to say, their voices are louder than men's if they really use them. Not just using it, but using it effectively and appropriately. This is why this exercise is important, and their involvement is important,” she said.

The girls expressed readiness to cast their ballot responsibly.