Consider women for vacant Volta seats – Chief

An appeal has been made for the indigenes of Akatsi South and Buem constituencies to consider reserving their vacant parliamentary seats for only women to contest.

The Omanhen of Gomoa Akyempim, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobea II, who made the appeal in an interview with the GNA at Apam, opined that with the two seats being relatively safe for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), nominating women to augment their current number in Parliament would be a step in the right direction.

The Akatsi South seat became vacant due to the elevation of Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, the MP-elect to the position of Speaker of Parliament, while the Buem seat became vacant following to the death of the MP-elect, Mr Henry Ford Kamel on Christmas day.

Obrifo Ankobea said it was unfortunate that women, who formed about 51 per cent of the Ghanaian population, occupied only 29 seats in the 275 Parliament, adding that the NDC hierarchy should seek ways to increase their numbers.

“Ghana needs more women in Parliament,” the Omanhen said and urged the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reserve some of their safe constituencies for only women to contest the primaries in future elections.

Obrifo Akobea congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on winning the presidential election and his colourful investiture. -GNA