The Western Regional Head of the Department of Gender, Mirabel Akuokor Okine, has urged women to actively participate in public discussions and resist vote buying, stressing that their voices are essential in shaping Ghana’s democratic future.
According to her, women should not allow fear or a lack of confidence to prevent them from expressing their views on national issues, especially those relating to elections and governance.
Ms. Okine made the remarks at the Western Regional edition of Adom Brands’ “Democracy Is Not For Sale” forum held at the Takoradi Library.
The forum brought together citizens and key stakeholders to discuss the growing influence of money in Ghana’s democratic process, including vote buying, campaign financing, the rising cost of political participation and the impact of illicit funding on elections.
Speaking on women’s participation in public discourse, Ms. Okine said many women hesitate to contribute to discussions because they believe they lack the capacity or confidence to do so.
“Sometimes because of lack of capacity, women are afraid to participate in open discussions like this. Women should not be afraid to share their thoughts. Your voice is very important as a woman,” she said.
She noted that women are among the most vulnerable groups targeted during elections through vote buying, as some politicians assume they can easily be influenced with money or gifts.
“Because when it comes to vote buying, the most vulnerable group targeted are women. They think we don’t have the understanding or lack the capacity, or when they give us the money, we don’t even want to understand the ideology or the plans the politicians have for development,” she stated.
Ms. Okine encouraged women to make informed electoral choices based on policies and development rather than financial inducements.
“We should know our priorities as human beings and as women and make good use of our votes. If not, it will affect you or your children in the future. You have to conscientise yourself,” she urged.
She further called on women to independently decide who deserves their votes and reject all forms of electoral inducement.
“Let’s decide who we want to vote for and avoid vote buying,” she added.
The “Democracy Is Not For Sale” forum forms part of efforts to raise public awareness on the dangers of vote buying and promote issue-based political participation ahead of future elections.
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