Koforidua, Eastern Region – September 27, 2024 – The Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has organized a Town Hall Meeting in the Eastern Region, as part of its efforts to enhance civic participation among youth and women in Ghana’s democratic processes. The event, held under the ‘Enhancing Civic Participation of Youth and Women in Ghana’ project, brought together youth and student parliaments, civil society organizations, Members of Parliament (MPs), and representatives from women and youth-based organizations across the Eastern Region.

This gathering, which took place at the Capital View Hotel in Koforidua, was the second in a series of regional town hall meetings organized by PNAfrica to assess the progress of Ghana’s Eighth Parliament.

Empowering Women and Youth

The ‘Enhancing Civic Participation of Youth and Women in Ghana’ project, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana, aims to empower young people, particularly young women, to play an active role in Ghanaian democracy. Through this initiative, PNAfrica seeks to provide platforms for engagement, education, and advocacy to encourage participation in parliamentary processes.

In his opening remarks, PNAfrica’s programme manager, Mr. Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, underscored the significance of citizen engagement in shaping parliamentary decision-making. He urged the public to utilize opportunities like the Private Member’s Bill regime to communicate their communities’ concerns and propose legislation througPNAh their MPs.

Discussing Ghana’s Eighth Parliament and the Hung

Participants engaged in discussions about the current state of Ghana’s Eighth Parliament, with a special focus on the dynamics of its Hung Parliament. In a detailed presentation, Clement Akoloh, PNAfrica’s Communications and Parliamentary Affairs Officer, shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of this unique parliamentary structure.

He noted that the Hung Parliament has introduced a dynamic characterized by increased negotiation, compromise, and strategic maneuvering, resulting in more rigorous oversight and balanced legislation. However, Akoloh also pointed out that this structure poses challenges to swift and decisive policy action, highlighting the need for collaboration and effective leadership.

Support from the French Embassy

The event received strong backing from the French Embassy in Ghana. Alberta Ameziah, representing the Embassy, reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive governance. “Sustainable democracy can only be achieved when every citizen, regardless of gender, age, and background, has an equal voice in shaping the nation’s future,” she emphasized.

She acknowledged the growing momentum for gender equality and youth participation in Ghana’s democratic processes, expressing optimism about the potential for democratic renewal.

Shaping the Future

The Eastern Regional Town Hall Meeting provided a valuable platform for participants to voice their concerns, share insights, and contribute to shaping the agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session in October.
As PNAfrica continues its mission to enhance the civic participation of youth and women, these regional engagements are expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.

Source: Clement Akoloh||PNAfrica Comms