The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has called on political leaders to uphold respect for women in leadership following the exchange between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Akyenpim Jantuah during the presentation of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) petition at Jubilee House.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, and signed by its Executive Director, Esther Tawiah, the gender advocacy organisation said the incident highlights the challenges women continue to face while serving in public leadership and administrative positions.
The organisation stressed that public officials deserve to be treated with dignity regardless of political affiliation or differences.
“Regardless of political differences or disagreements, all public officials deserve to be treated with dignity and respect while carrying out their official responsibilities,” the statement said.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 6, when Nana Yaa Jantuah received the NPP’s petition on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama following the party’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
During the presentation, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned the Presidency’s decision to assign Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition, arguing that the seniority of the opposition delegation warranted a higher-ranking government representative.
According to GenCED, while political actors are entitled to express their views, such engagements should not undermine or diminish women carrying out official responsibilities.
The organisation warned that actions or comments perceived as belittling women in leadership could reinforce stereotypes that discourage women’s participation in governance and public service.
It further noted that Ghana’s ongoing efforts to increase women’s representation in decision-making positions require a political environment built on mutual respect and inclusion.
“Political leaders have a responsibility to model respectful engagement and contribute to building a political culture that values inclusion, equality and institutional respect,” GenCED stated.
The organisation also reminded political leaders that respect for women in leadership should transcend partisan considerations.
“Respect for women in leadership is not a partisan matter; it is a democratic imperative,” the statement added.
The NPP has defended Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks, maintaining that his concerns centred on the level of representation provided by the Presidency rather than Nana Yaa Jantuah personally.
The Minority Leader has also shared a video of a similar objection reportedly raised by former Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during an earlier opposition demonstration, suggesting that concerns over the rank of officials receiving petitions have arisen under previous administrations.
GenCED urged all political stakeholders to use the incident as an opportunity to promote civility, respect and inclusiveness in Ghana’s democratic discourse.
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