GenCED urges NPP to extend 50% nomination fee reduction to women, youth and PWDs

The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to broaden its 50% reduction in nomination fees from being applied to only Women's, Youth and Nasara Organisers to cover all national executive positions. GenCED contends that this concession, while a step in the right direction, does not adequately alleviate the financial burdens faced by underrepresented groups like women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) aspiring for higher leadership roles within the party.

Current nomination fees range from GH¢8,000 for Women's, Youth and Nasara Organisers to GH¢50,000 for National Chairperson, GH¢30,000 for Vice Chairperson and GH¢25,000 for General Secretary candidates. Other principal positions require a GH¢10,000 fee. GenCED's research indicates that nomination fees are but one aspect of the financial challenges political candidates encounter, which include campaign funding, delegate engagement, transportation, mobilisation and communication expenses.

These financial strains can deter talented individuals who lack substantial financial backing, thereby concentrating political power among the affluent. GenCED asserts that this disparity is exacerbated for women, youth and PWDs who often encounter limited access to political financing and robust support systems. The organisation aligns its stance with Ghana's affirmative-action framework, referencing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which mandates a minimum 30% representation for women in political bodies by 2026 and pushes for gender parity.

GenCED also highlights provisions mandating political parties to cultivate gender-sensitive environments that foster women's involvement in decision-making processes. While acknowledging the NPP's decision to lower fees for Women's, Youth and Nasara Organisers, GenCED seeks to extend this initiative to cover other leadership roles.

The organisation argues that if Women's and Youth Organisers deserve a reduced financial barrier to strengthen their party leadership participation, then women, youth and PWDs vying for National Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer and other executive positions should be afforded similar consideration. GenCED emphasizes that this proposal is not about granting preferential treatment but rather correcting an unfair starting point.

Consequently, GenCED urges the NPP to embed the fee reduction as an affirmative-action measure within its internal electoral framework, specifying clear eligibility criteria and procedures for accessing the concession. The organisation also advocates for consistent application of the reduction across all leadership positions and for the NPP to align its internal electoral processes with the goals of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act.

GenCED believes that lowering the financial entry barrier will enhance the inclusivity and representativeness of party leadership, and urges the NPP to demonstrate its commitment to increasing women, youth and PWDs' political participation during the upcoming elections.