Bolgatanga: The Electoral Commission (EC) has been urged by stakeholders to ensure that future voter registration exercises are conducted at polling station levels to promote inclusivity. This recommendation was made during a gender advocacy forum in Bolgatanga, where participants stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups to register and exercise their voting rights.
According to Ghana News Agency, the forum brought together various stakeholders, including gender advocacy organizations, state human rights institutions, queen mothers, persons with disabilities, and assembly members. The event was organized by the Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM) in partnership with the Network for Women's Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), with funding support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the STAR Ghana Foundation.
The Regional Consultative and high-level forum was part of a nationwide initiative themed 'Advancing Gender Responsive Governance and Inclusive Democracy in Ghana,' aimed at enhancing post-election accountability. Participants discussed the 2024 electoral process, identified challenges, and proposed strategic recommendations to improve electoral transparency and gender inclusiveness.
Madam Hannah Talata Asanyuure, an assembly member for Anafobisi in the Bongo District, highlighted that the EC's decision to conduct limited voter registration at district offices prevented many vulnerable individuals from registering. She noted that many women and persons with disabilities could not travel long distances to register, thus denying them the opportunity to vote.
Mr. Alexis Ayamdor, the Industrial Liaison Officer at Bolgatanga Technical University, emphasized the need for strategic policies to empower women and achieve gender inclusion in the electoral process. Speaking on behalf of NETRIGHT, Ms. Abigail Adomolga from the Youth Harvest Foundation stressed that achieving gender equality is essential for sustainable development and called for the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Law by the government.
Ms. Elizabeth Anafo, Programmes Coordinator at WOM, noted that prior to the election, her organization and its partners had implemented several interventions to advance gender equality and women's representation. She emphasized the need to review the successes and challenges of these efforts and plan future strategies.