Accra, June 4, GNA - The Ghana Union of Professional Students (GUPS), has appealed to National Executive Committees of Political Parties to consider selecting competent women as running mates for Election 2008.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Patrick Ayittah, President of the Union said "It is our belief that such a move would make democracy a reality and not a dream. Let us not disenfranchise majority of the population."

It said "Ghana has a lot of women who have qualities that befit the Office of Vice President and would entreat other civil society organisations to join in the campaign of making a woman Vice President." The statement said women constitute about 53 per cent of the population, it would be fair they were given a representation in the country's political landscape.

"Women have contributed significantly towards socio-economic development of the country, dominating the field of micro and medium scale enterprises which is the engine of growth of the economy," it added. The statement said "It would be politically sane for political parties to consider choosing a woman as a running mate because in this era, a competent woman could be an electoral asset."