A northern-focused non-governmental organisation (NGO), Norsaac, has urged government to increase the number of women in key decision-making positions, especially the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), at the various assemblies in the Northern Region.

The call comes as the process of shortlisting applicants for the MMDCE position is ongoing across the country.

Norsaac’s Gender and Governance Manager Kawusada Abubakari, speaking to Class News, said: “I think history over time has shown that a lower number of women get through this process and we are not giving room for that occurrence this time around.

“We are very happy about the manifesto promise of the sitting government and we are following that up to remind government that we are aware of the significant number of women who have applied and that whatever be, let’s have that 30 per cent that will be appointed to MMDCE positions.”

She explained: “In the past, of course women weren’t confident about their acceptability in the society taking up these leadership positions, the support systems they will get and, of course, the processes they would have to go through. “But engagement over time is opening up that confidence, it’s opening up that support from other people. It might not be at the highest level yet but we are now hopeful that a lot of room is open to accept more women to leadership and so that would have impacted on the numbers that have applied this time around.”

Meanwhile, governance expert Issaka Amon Kotei has said in considering women for MMDCE appointments, the president should choose people on merit to avoid harsh criticism.

“I’m not in support of preferential treatment given to gender. If you qualify to be in a position, that position must be given based on merit. Some of these things lead to people saying nasty things about women in office. Recently we heard of how people said nasty things about the EC boss and all that because we’ve been trying to favour women in positions. It rather goes against the position of hard work and reward…and respect for women. So I would wish the president appoints based on merit,” he said.