Governance and Politics

Enhancing Women’s Political Fortunes in Ghana: Is a 50/50 Campaign Realistic?

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The 50/50 Campaign as a tool for enhancing women’s political participation has gained currency
in recent time. Its call for equal participation of women and men in politics and public office
has reinvigorated various activisms globally. This paper examines the Campaign within the
context of Ghanaian women’s political fortunes. Contesting its feasibility against a background
of women’s poor performance at national elections and political appointments, it argues that
the success stories in countries such as Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda and South Africa are
inspirational. Historically, Ghana has shown some leadership in promoting women’s political
participation such as the landmark People’s Representation Bill of 1960. Yet today, women
are severely under-represented in Ghana’s legislature with only 37 women, forming a paltry
13.5% of the 275-member Parliament. Such persistently grave inequalities have called for more
drastic initiatives as the 50/50 Campaign. Although the initiative has spread globally, Ghana
has been slow to act. However, the launch of the Planet 50:50 agenda during the 2017 World’s
Women’s Day signals some renewed interest. This paper provides an overview of the Campaign
by highlighting its origins, intents and progress. Narrowing down on the Ghanaian context,
it examines how women have fared in national elections and political appointments since
the Fourth Republic. It finds that although women have done poorly in the past, thus casting
doubt on the feasibility of a 50/50 Campaign, there is still great promise in light of the various
commitments aimed at promoting women’s political participation. It finds that those African
countries that have embraced the Campaign have made significant progress in democratic
participation and thus offer useful lessons for Ghana. It concludes that like such countries,
Ghana can benefit from the Campaign but only if it renews its commitments and pursues a
rigorous action agenda backed with resources.

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: ., 2017

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English

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