ELECTION WATCH GHANA CALLS FOR WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION, POLICE DEPLOYMENT AND DELEGATE EDUCATION

The Convener of Election Watch Ghana, Mark Ewusi Arko, has called for stronger measures to improve political party elections, including greater participation of women, adequate security deployment and increased education of delegates on democratic standards. Speaking in an interview with journalist Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi, Mark Ewusi Arko said women should be given greater opportunities to participate in decision-making and leadership within political parties. He expressed concern about the level of representation of women in leadership and called for deliberate measures to increase their participation in all aspects of political decision-making. According to him, political parties must create opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to party administration, leadership and policy discussions, particularly as Ghana looks ahead to the 2030 political landscape. Adequate Police Deployment Mark Ewusi Arko also called for adequate deployment of personnel from the Ghana Police Service during political party elections to maintain peace and security. He said effective security arrangements are necessary to ensure that delegates, candidates and election officials can participate in the electoral process without intimidation, disruption or unnecessary tension. He urged political parties and other stakeholders to work with the security agencies to strengthen arrangements before and during internal elections. Delegate Education The Election Watch Ghana Convener further called for increased education of political party delegates on electoral procedures, democratic standards, their rights and responsibilities. He said delegates need to understand the electoral process properly to enable them to participate effectively and responsibly in party elections. Mark Ewusi Arko urged political stakeholders to adopt forward-looking electoral practices and uphold democratic standards in the conduct of internal elections. He maintained that improving women's representation, strengthening election security and educating delegates could contribute to more credible and peaceful electoral processes. He therefore called on political parties and other stakeholders to take deliberate steps to strengthen Ghana's electoral system and promote public confidence in democratic institutions.