Students entreated to uphold democratic tenets

A two-days workshop has been held for female students in senior and junior high schools to uphold democratic tenets and aspire for high political office to change the fortunes of Ghanaians. 

It was organised by Leading Ladies' Network (LLN), a non-profit organisation with the focus to develop African Women into leadership positions, in collaboration with Fabhub Ashanti.

The event, on the theme: "Ghana’s governance and democratic process: My role as a citizen and a voter", took place in Aboabo Kesse and Asiwa in the Atwima Kwawoma and Bosome Freho districts in the Ashanti Region.

Drawn from nine schools from the localities, the 240 participants within ages 14-18 years were schooled in decentralisation system; Ghana’s governance and political landscape, the role of the Electoral Commission (EC) in the democratic and voting process.

The main objective of the 2024 camp programme was to equip 1,500 female student leaders and representatives from the various political parties with relevant knowledge about the country’s electoral processes.

Address

Addressing the students, the founder of LLN, Yawa Handsen-Quao, told the students the event was to conscientise young girls to see themselves as leaders.

"We wanted to help young women to see themselves as leaders. We believe every woman is a leader," she said.

She said research has it that a section of young people were dissatisfied with democracy hence the need to organise such programmes to change the narrative.

"We have realised so many young people are tired of politicians. The research is showing that so many young people are dissatisfied with politicians and we believe that is dangerous," the founder said.

EC

A representative from the Bosome Freho EC office, Eric Gyebi, said voting was a decision-making process.

He said every four years, Ghanaians elected their leaders; an activity he emphasised was empowered by Ghana's constitution.

He implored women to participate in elections and compete for parliamentary and presidential positions if they met the requirements.

He cautioned the students not to take money or freebies before casting their ballots for a particular candidate since the law prohibited it.