Election Watch Ghana has expressed disappointment over the low turnout of women contesting in ongoing internal party elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), revealing that out of 47 total aspirants, only six are women.
In a statement dated Thursday, September 17, Election Watch Ghana noted that the six female aspirants represent approximately 13% of the total number of contestants vying for internal party positions.
The group, while commending the women who have stepped forward, said the figures point to the need for more deliberate efforts to encourage greater female participation in the party’s internal democratic processes.
“We therefore encourage the party not only to consider reducing filing fees and other financial barriers that may discourage women from contesting, but also to strengthen continuous engagement with women within the party,” the statement read.
Election Watch Ghana called for regular consultations, leadership development initiatives, mentorship, and information-sharing as measures to build women’s confidence and interest in seeking internal party positions.
It stressed that efforts to boost women’s participation should not be limited to periods leading up to internal elections but should be sustained throughout the electoral cycle, so that women are adequately informed, supported, and prepared to see themselves as capable leadership candidates.
Election Watch Ghana said it would continue to monitor subsequent internal elections and track the level of women’s participation, expressing hope that future contests will record a significant increase in female aspirants.
“Greater representation of women in internal party structures strengthens inclusive participation and contributes to a more representative democratic process,” the statement concluded.