Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament calls for affirmative law

Accra, March 14, GNA - Professor Michael Oquaye Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, on Monday proposed an affirmative law as a frame work to bring women at par with their male counterparts. He said women were victims of violence, sexual harassment and discrimination, hence the need for social engineering to redress all the injustices they suffer.

Prof Oquaye who is the New Patriotic Party Legislator for Dome -Kwabenya was contributing to a statement delivered by Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on the floor of parliament to commemorate this year's Commonwealth Day. The day is on the theme: 93Women as Agents of Change." Mr Frederick Opare- Addo, Minority Chief Whip said Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution indicated that a person shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or social or economic status. He cautioned that the affirmative act as proposed by the Second Deputy Speaker could be discriminatory.

Mr Opare-Addo said such an act must be grounded and supported by the Constitution else people could contest it in court. He said an appropriate revision of the Constitution would enable the House to make appropriate legislations that would not contradict the provisions in the legal document.

Mr Emmanuel Buah, Deputy Minister of Energy and National Democracy Congress (NDC) member for Ellembele said in most cases women gave the opportunities they did not enjoy during their childhood to their children.

He called on the various political parties to encourage women participation in their activities. Mr Ahmed Mohammed NDC member for Tain said women were taken over the realm of affairs in the country in many significant positions, proving to the world that they were as intelligent as their male counterparts.

The Majority Chief Whip, Mr Gershon Gbediame said mothers were the best teachers for their children and called on non- governmental organisations to advocate women issues.