The founder of Living Streams International, Reverend Ebenezer Markwei, has expressed strong support for increased female representation in Ghanaian politics, specifically calling on political parties to select women as running mates for the December 7 presidential election.
His remarks come amid discussions on gender equality in political participation across the nation.
In a sermon on Sunday, May 12, which coincided with Mother’s Day, Rev. Markwei stressed the importance of having more women in significant government roles.
“I wish we had more women in government. We need more women parliamentarians. Maybe we need more women vice presidents,” he stated.
He commended the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their decision to select a female running mate, suggesting that gender diversity can bring balance and a different perspective to leadership dynamics.
“I’m not surprised the NDC chose a running mate who is female because sometimes the men combination, which is driver and mate is not good. Sometimes you need a woman by your side so that you know..,” Rev. Markwei explained.
In a related development the President of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, challenged the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to copy the NDC in selecting a female running mate for the 2024 elections.
During a sermon on Sunday, he commended the NDC for their progressive step and stressed the importance of women in leadership roles.
“I know it is a good thing as it shows how important our mothers and our women are. I pray that others will also learn and copy from this to show yes indeed in celebrating women it is not just for celebrating but that we will bring them to the front burner and make them part and parcel of our political landscape.”
Dr. Boafo emphasized the critical roles women play in society and challenged political entities to integrate more women into significant positions, especially within the political spectrum.
“Celebrating women should make us understand that yes indeed we need to bring these mothers and these women into the political landscape,” he asserted.
Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, Rev. Enoch Thompson, on the other hand, speaking at the Messiah Baptist Church at Tabora-Israel, encouraged mothers in attendance to consider entering the political arena.
He stressed the crucial role they play in shaping society and governance.
Rev. Thompson also called on political parties to actively support and promote female empowerment by providing more opportunities for women to ascend to high political offices.
He emphasized that elevating women into leadership positions is essential for achieving balanced and effective governance in Ghana.