By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The People’s National Party (PNP) has petitioned major religious bodies, including the Christian Council, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Catholic Bishops, and the Muslim community, over what it termed “President Mahama’s gender disparity in appointments”.
PNP in a petition signed by its Chairperson and Leader, Madam Janet Asana Nabla accused President Mahama of disregarding constitutional mandate on gender equality in governance.
The party thus describes President John Dramani Mahama’s action as a grave constitutional violation that must not be tolerated.
According to the author of the petition President Mahama’s recent appointments show a blatant disregard for Article 17(4) of the 1992 Republican Constitution, which mandates Parliament to enact laws promoting gender balance in public office.
Additionally, the party cites the Affirmative Action Act of 2024, which requires all government sectors to ensure a 30% minimum representation of women in appointments, including ministerial and deputy ministerial positions.
Below is the full petition by PNP
24th February, 2025
PETITION TO THE CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF GHANA, THE GHANA PENTECOSTAL AND CHARISMATIC COUNCIL, THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS, AND THE MOSLEM COMMUNITY
The People’s National Party (PNP) writes to bring to your attention a grave constitutional violation committed by the President of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, against the women of this country and the fundamental principles of justice and equity.
CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATION
Article 17(4) of Ghana’s Constitution mandates Parliament to enact laws to correct imbalances in representation. In response to the longstanding underrepresentation of women in politics and governance, Parliament passed the
Affirmative Action Act on July 30, 2024, requiring that all governments ensure at least 30% representation of women in appointments, including ministerial, deputy ministerial, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) positions, cabinet ministers, Managing Directors and CEOs, Board Chairpersons and members, ambassadorial positions, and other key roles.
During his campaign, President Mahama explicitly promised to implement the Affirmative Action Law (AAL) and ensure that women receive 30% representation in all his appointments. However, upon assuming office, he has reneged on this promise, thereby violating both his campaign pledge and Article 17(4) of the Constitution. Instead of honoring the law, the President has:
Appointed only 16% women and 84% men as ministers.
Appointed only 14% women and 86% men as deputy ministers.
Appointed only 10% women and 90% men as cabinet ministers.
His actions show blatant disregard for gender equality and the law, an injustice that must not be tolerated.
CALL TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS
We call on the Christian and Moslem communities to rise to the defense of Ghanaian women. Religion has always been a strong advocate for justice and the protection of the vulnerable.
In the Bible, Jesus Christ set the precedent for gender inclusion. He was the first to introduce girl-child education when he instructed Martha to join his teachings instead of focusing only on domestic duties (Luke 10:38-42). He protected the woman accused of adultery by questioning why only the woman was being punished while the man went free (John 8:3-11). Jesus emphasized equality, stating that God created both male and female equally (Matthew 19:4).
Despite this, the Church in Ghana remains silent while women are being marginalized. Women constitute over 70% of congregations in Ghana. Without them, many churches would collapse. Why then do religious leaders stand unconcerned while President Mahama tramples upon their rights?
In the Qur’an, Allah commands justice and prioritizes the dignity of women. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated that if both parents request something from a child, the mother’s needs should be prioritized three times over the father’s (Sahih Bukhari 5971). If Islam upholds the value of women so highly, why has the Islamic community remained silent while the President defies a law that ensures fairness for women?
RELIGION IS ABOUT JUSTICE
Religious leaders must stand for what is right. If they cannot defend the rights of women on earth, how can they lead people to heaven? Many churches and mosques use their platforms for political discourse, yet when an issue directly affecting women arises, they remain silent.
We urge you to call on President Mahama to respect the Constitution and his campaign promise. He must immediately reconstitute his ministers and cabinet and ensure that all remaining appointments meet the legally mandated 30% representation for women.
CONCLUSION
This is not just a political issue; it is a moral, legal, and religious duty. The failure to act will not only embolden future violations of the law but also deepen gender inequality in our country.
We trust that you will take urgent action to rectify this injustice. Ghanaian women deserve better.
PNP: My Family, My Community. My Motherland
Janet Asana Nabla
Chairperson and Leader
People’s National Party (PNP)
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