Ghana
The Republic of Ghana is
often considered a model of economic and political reform in Africa. After
years of British colonial rule, the "Golden Coast" gained its independence in
1957 as the first Sub-Saharan African nation. At the beginning of the 1980s Ghana
began its transition towards democracy and economic stability by combating
corruption, which had spread within Ghanaian society soon after its
independence. In the April 1992 referendum Ghanaians said "yes" to a new Constitution
which introduced a multi-party system, thereby reaffirming their commitment to
democracy.
Studies have shown the
important role women played before and immediately after Ghana's independence.
Dr Beatrix Allah-Mensah of the Political Science Department at the University
of Ghana highlighted the substantial support women had given to the main
political party at that time (Convention People's Party CPP). As a consequence,
CPP took the initiative to create a women's section within the party and so did
other parties as well. This development demonstrates the willingness of Ghanaian
politicians to let women integrate this male-dominated environment.
Nevertheless, despite significant progress in some areas - the number of female
contestants in parliamentary elections has increased steadily - women still have
to cope with widespread prejudices and stereotypes related to women's role in society.
EPD Projects in Ghana