Ghana Hosts High-Level Ministerial Talks to Boost Women and Youth Political Participation
Regional consultation pushes for stronger affirmative action and electoral reforms to boost representation.
- Ghana hosts high-level ministerial meeting on women and youth political participation.
- Ministers call for electoral reforms and expanded affirmative action policies.
- Member States pledge to turn regional commitments into concrete national action.
Ghana has hosted a high-level ministerial meeting focused on advancing the political participation and leadership of women and youth across West Africa.
The meeting, held on February 19, formed part of a four-day regional consultation organised by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in partnership with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre. The engagement is aligned with the ECOWAS Anniversary Legacy Project, which seeks to promote gender parity and inclusive governance among Member States of the Economic Community of West African States.
The consultation, which began on February 17, brought together ministers and key stakeholders to explore practical strategies for increasing women and youth representation in political leadership and decision-making processes across the sub-region.
Welcoming participants, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the meeting as both timely and necessary. She noted that although women and young people constitute the majority of West Africa’s population and play a significant role in driving innovation and development, they remain underrepresented in governance structures.
Dr Lartey reiterated Ghana’s commitment to promoting gender equality and youth empowerment in line with regional and international frameworks. She highlighted initiatives such as the Reset Agenda, the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, and the ongoing review of national gender and youth policies as deliberate efforts to remove structural and socio-cultural barriers to inclusive participation.
Chair of ECOWAS Ministers responsible for Gender, Isata Mahoi, described the gathering as a decisive call to action. She urged Member States to strengthen affirmative action measures, implement electoral reforms, and expand mentorship opportunities to position women and young people at the forefront of democratic leadership.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by participating countries to translate regional commitments into concrete national actions aimed at deepening inclusive governance and sustainable development across West Africa.
