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The Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, has called for increased representation of women MPs on the committees of the Ninth Parliament, emphasising the importance of promoting inclusivity and gender equality.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Ms. Appiagyei stated that empowering more women MPs through committee appointments would enable Parliament to set an example in championing gender equity and fulfilling the ideals of the Affirmative Action Act.
“It is my hope, and I look forward to seeing more women MPs being appointed to serve on the various committees of the House,” she remarked.
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She expressed optimism that the significant number of women MPs, particularly from the minority side, could contribute meaningfully to legislative processes.
The Ninth Parliament includes 41 women MPs, an increase from the 40 in the Eighth Parliament. Of these, 35 are from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while six are from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Ms. Appiagyei acknowledged the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, which seeks to address disparities between men and women in public and private sectors, as a critical step forward. “The Act promotes equity, and that includes our august House, so we will have to do better,” she added.
Reacting to her appointment as Deputy Ranking Member of the Appointments Committee, Ms. Appiagyei expressed her gratitude while reiterating her commitment to advancing the interests of women in Parliament.
The Appointments Committee, chaired by the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, and Vice Chairperson Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, is responsible for vetting nominees for ministerial and other critical roles. The committee plays a pivotal role in ensuring nominees meet the required standards before their approval by Parliament.
