Women's political role in Ghana

The article analyzes women's political activity in Ghana, the first country in Tropical Africa to gain independence. Based on systemic approach and analysis of electoral statistics, the institutional, sociocultural, and economic factors determining the low level of women's representation in government bodies are examined. It is shown that despite constitutional guarantees and gender-sensitive policies, the share of women in parliament remains only 12.8% (compared to the African average of 24.5%). The 2024 Affirmative Action Act establishing quotas has yet to overcome systemic barriers: deeply entrenched patriarchal stereotypes, high campaign costs, threats of political violence, and a lack of resources among potential female candidates combined with the reluctance of some economically independent women to risk their capital in high-stakes political ventures. Special attention is paid to the role of traditional institutions: among the Ashanti, the Queen Mother institution promotes female leadership, whereas in the patriarchal north of the country, women's influence on decision-making remains minimal. The analysis of major political parties revealed a tangible gap between declared commitment to gender equality and real practice: party women's wings are deprived of real influence, and the material benefits provided to them are insignificant. The conclusion is drawn that in conditions of a deficit of political will women's non-governmental organizations become the main actors in promoting the gender agenda. They compensate for the lack of representation in formal power institutions by providing educational and legal support to candidates, protecting women's socio-economic rights, and promoting legislative initiatives necessary for forming a new public agenda.

Ashanti · campaign spending · civil society organizations · Gender equality · gender quotas · gender-sensitive policy · Ghana · Patriarchy · Political parties · Political violence · women's economic independence · women's political participation · women's political representation · Gender Politics and Representation · Gender, Education, and Development Issues · Gender, Security, and Conflict