The People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed concerns over what it calls a serious constitutional breach by President John Dramani Mahama.
In a petition addressed to major religious organizations, including the Christian Council, Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Catholic Bishops, and the Muslim community, the PNP accused President Mahama of neglecting constitutional mandates on gender equality in governance.
The PNP argues that the President’s recent appointments blatantly violate Article 17(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires Parliament to enact laws promoting gender balance in public office.
The party also referenced the Affirmative Action Act of 2024, which mandates all government sectors to ensure at least 30% female representation in appointments, including ministerial and deputy ministerial roles.
However, according to the PNP, the President’s recent appointments have overwhelmingly favoured men, with women comprising only a fraction of key government positions:
“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, and appointed only 10% women and 90% men as cabinet ministers,” the PNP wrote in its February 24 petition.
The PNP urged religious leaders to publicly challenge President Mahama’s appointment choices and demand compliance with Ghana’s legal frameworks. The party insists that Ghana’s religious institutions, which have long stood for justice, must not ignore issues of gender inequality in leadership.
