Gender groups have rejected seven proposals adopted by the government from the Constitution Review Committee’s recommendation, arguing that the proposals failed to adequately address gender inequalities.
One of the proposals opposed by the group is the creation of an additional 24 parliamentary seats to the existent 276, bringing the total number of seats to 300.
Addressing the media, the convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, Sheila Minka, stated that the adopted proposals do not adequately address existing gender gaps in political representation.
She noted that the government should maintain the current 276 parliamentary seats, expressing disagreement with increasing the size of parliament to 300 seats.
Their position is that the focus of reform should not simply be on increasing the number of seats in parliament, especially considering the resource expenditure that would come along with such a change.
While they agree with the CRC’s initial recommendation to cap parliament at 276 seats, the central issue is whether electoral and constitutional arrangements produce a parliament that is genuinely representative, inclusive, and accountable.
“Increasing the number of parliamentary seats on its own does not address the fundamental problem of women’s underrepresentation.
“Although the government’s proposed additional 24 seats are intended to provide representation for women, young people, and persons with disabilities, this arrangement does not by itself guarantee the minimum 30% representation of women contemplated under the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act passed in 2024,” she said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
