NPP Primaries: Directive to protect women candidates not illegal – Otiko

The National Women Organiser of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Otiko Afisah Djaba has justified the party’s decision to allow only female candidates contest in constituencies where they have incumbent female MPs.

According to her, the decision was carefully thought through and is intended to encourage women participation in politics.

A statement signed by the NPP’s General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong after a National Executive Committee meeting Monday said: “The meeting also adopted a proposal for only female aspirants to contest the 16 female Members of Parliament in their respective constituencies”.

However, some party bigwigs including former attorney general Nii Ayikoi Otoo has described the decision as inappropriate.

He told Kafui Dey on Morning Starr Tuesday, that the policy can hurt the chances of the party in the 2016 elections.

But speaking to Citi FM, Afisah Djaba said the move is in the best interest of the party.

“It is not illegal, it is in the constitution of Ghana as gender equity and so it cannot be illegal.

“I’m saying that for every law there is the need for negotiation and for lobbying to ensure that the implementation will be beneficial for all. Asking for just 16 out of 275 seats should not be a problem.

“I think that the men should be a bit lenient. If we continue to shy away and pay lip service to the issue of women, it will not help in the development of Ghana,” she stated.