Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama has once again reiterated his party’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the launch of the NDC’s Women’s Manifesto in Kumasi ahead of the 2024 general elections, Mahama emphasized the critical role women play in Ghana’s development and outlined the party’s plans to ensure women are fully integrated into national decision-making.
“This is a bold step toward a future where women live at the highest levels of quality, are economically empowered, and have access to education and good healthcare to thrive,” Mahama stated as he addressed the gathering of women, media, and party faithful.
He expressed gratitude to the women of the NDC for organizing the event, noting that the manifesto launch represents a call to action that aligns with the party’s broader agenda to “reset” Ghana.
Mahama highlighted the importance of elevating women beyond being mere beneficiaries of government policies, positioning them as key architects in shaping national governance.
“For us, the NDC, our mission is simple: Ghanaian women matter. Ghanaian women are our partners in this journey,” he affirmed.
A significant part of Mahama’s speech focused on his commitment to ensuring women are equally represented in leadership roles.
He proudly announced the nomination of a female running mate, describing it as a symbol of the NDC’s commitment to inclusivity and decentralized governance.
He lauded his running mate’s integrity and expressed confidence that she could become Ghana’s next Vice President, marking a historic moment for gender equality in the country.
“Despite women’s significant contributions to our nation’s development, gender inequality remains pervasive, particularly in the informal sector, where women make up the majority of small-scale workers,”
Mahama said, underscoring the need for a more gender-balanced government.
He pointed out that women in the informal sector contribute nearly 30% of the nation’s GDP, yet they continue to face systemic inequality and poverty.
Citing statistics from the 2020 census, Mahama drew attention to the stark reality of poverty among women, particularly in rural areas. He noted that out of the 7.5 million people living in poverty in Ghana, the majority are women.
He questioned why poverty in Ghana should have “a female face,” highlighting the fact that 1.44 million women are classified as extremely poor, surviving on less than $1.90 a day.
“These numbers should not just shock us; they should spur us into action,” Mahama urged. “Behind each statistic is a woman, a mother, a sister, or a daughter who struggles every day to survive. They are the backbone of our communities, yet they bear the brunt of inequality.”
Mahama concluded his speech by calling for urgent action to address these inequalities and ensure that women are empowered to lead productive, dignified lives.
He reiterated that the NDC’s Women’s Manifesto is a testament to the party’s determination to prioritize women’s rights, economic empowerment, and access to education and healthcare.
With the 2024 elections fast approaching, Mahama’s address has reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to advancing the cause of gender equality and women’s empowerment, key issues that continue to resonate with voters across the country.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
