STAR Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with its civil society partners, has issued an urgent call for a minimum of 30% women’s representation in the appointment of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

This appeal comes amid growing concerns over the under-representation of women in local governance.

The Foundation commended the Government of Ghana for its efforts to promote gender equality, highlighting the appointment of women into ministerial and other public roles within the current administration.

As of 5th February 2024, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has appointed four women out of 36 ministers, seven women out of 10 to state agencies, including the Youth Employment Agency, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others.

Additionally, three women were appointed as Regional Ministers, six women in key positions within the Vice President’s office, five women out of ten Presidential staffers, and three women out of 13 as deputy ministers.

“Women currently make up 26.6% (28 out of 105 appointments), and we commend His Excellency for his bold commitment to ensuring that women play critical leadership roles in his government,” stated the Foundation in its release.

However, STAR Ghana Foundation also expressed concern over the near absence of women in some of the vetted lists for MMDCE appointments.

Certain regions, such as the Upper West region, have shown no female candidates in the final list, which has raised alarm among civil society groups.

In response, STAR Ghana Foundation urged the government to take action, with a spokesperson saying,

“While we applaud the significant strides made in appointing women to key positions, we remain deeply concerned about the near exclusion of women from the MMDCE appointments. This lack of female representation, particularly in regions like Upper West, is a matter that cannot be ignored.”

The Foundation is calling on His Excellency the President to ensure that at least 30% of MMDCE appointments are filled by women.

This demand is driven by the persistent underrepresentation of women in local governance, an issue that has been long-standing.

According to the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGRD), women account for less than 18% of leadership positions at the district level.

Additionally, the Ghana Statistical Service reported that only 26 out of 86 government-appointed leadership positions are held by women.

“Women’s participation in local governance remains alarmingly low,” stated a representative of STAR Ghana Foundation.

“It is critical for the development of communities and the country as a whole that women are involved in decision-making at all levels. The time has come for the government to make good on its promises and prioritise gender equality in local leadership.”

The call for increased female representation is based on constitutional, developmental, and moral grounds.

The Foundation highlighted that this action aligns with Ghana’s commitments under the 1992 Constitution, the government’s international obligations, and the promises made in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, which outlines a pledge to ensure women’s participation in leadership at 30%.

“The need for women’s voices in leadership is a matter of principle,” the Foundation’s spokesperson said.

“This is not just about fulfilling quotas; it is about ensuring that women’s perspectives are included in decisions that affect their lives and communities.”

STAR Ghana Foundation emphasised that ensuring more women in local governance is not only essential for gender equality but also crucial for the sustainable development of the country.

The call for greater female representation in MMDCE appointments reflects the ongoing advocacy of STAR Ghana Foundation and its partners to ensure that gender equality is prioritised in all aspects of governance.