Election Watch Ghana Raises Concern Over Low Women Representation in NPP Leadership

Election Watch Ghana has expressed concern over the low representation of women in the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the party’s recently concluded national executive elections.

The group is calling on the NPP to adopt deliberate measures to promote greater gender balance and inclusiveness in its leadership and decision-making structures.

According to Election Watch Ghana, only one woman, Hawa Koomson, was elected among the 11 national leadership positions contested in the elections. Koomson retained the position of National Women’s Organiser.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 4, the organisation said the outcome raises questions about the level of women’s representation in political leadership.

It stressed that increased participation of women in decision-making is important to ensuring that political leadership reflects the diversity, experiences and aspirations of Ghana’s population.

“If Ghana is to achieve meaningful inclusion in political governance, deliberate efforts must be made to create greater opportunities for women to participate in decision-making at all levels,” the group said.

Election Watch Ghana subsequently urged the NPP to take gender balance and inclusiveness into consideration in future appointments and leadership opportunities, noting that the issue extends beyond simply increasing the number of women in leadership positions.

Concerns Over Cost of Internal Elections

Beyond gender representation, Election Watch Ghana also raised concerns about the increasing cost of internal party elections.

The organisation said candidates are often required to shoulder significant expenses related to transportation, feeding, accommodation and other logistical arrangements for delegates.

It warned that rising costs could place considerable financial pressure on aspirants and potentially make financial capacity an increasingly important factor in internal electoral contests.

To address the issue, Election Watch Ghana proposed that political parties consider mechanisms to centrally organise and finance basic logistical needs for accredited delegates instead of requiring individual candidates to bear the costs.

The group said such measures could help create a more level playing field for aspirants and reduce the influence of money in internal party elections.

Call for Merit-Based Leadership

Election Watch Ghana also cautioned political parties against placing excessive emphasis on candidates perceived to be politically influential, financially capable or aggressive.

It urged parties to give greater consideration to individuals who bring clear, innovative ideas and constructive contributions to the development of their parties and the country.

The organisation said reforms addressing gender representation, the cost of internal elections and the criteria used to assess candidates would contribute to more inclusive and competitive internal party processes.