NORSAAC BEMOANS NORTHERN FEMALE MP’S REPRESENTATION

The Northern Sector Action on Awareness Centre (NORSAAC) has described as “Undemocratic” the current state in which the entire northern region with 26 constituencies can only boast of one female Parliamentarian. Hon. Hajia Mary Boforo, Member of Parliament for the Savelugu constituency is the only female Legislator representing the region and this in the judgement of NORSAAC is not the best. NORSAAC, a Non Governmental Organization which supports women empowerment programmes in the northern region called for concerted efforts to change the paradigm as the 2012 general elections fast approach. Mr. Alhassan Mohammed Awal, Executive Director of the NORSAC on Awareness Centre expressed his frustration over the issue at the opening ceremony of a two day capacity training workshop on advocacy, lobbying and legal awareness skills organized for 40 young female Parliamentarians in Tamale. He said the Young Female Parliamentarians was initiated by Action-Aid Ghana in partnership with NORSAAC which sought to provide space for young females in the region to acquire the necessary skills and confidence that will encourage them to engage in participatory governance. The NORSAAC Executive Director encouraged the participants to break the myth surrounding male dominance in Parliament by showing interest in becoming Parliamentarians.  He reiterated his outfit’s commitment to resource female aspirants interested in contesting the district assembly, unit committee and Parliamentary elections to bridge the gender disparity between male and female representation in authority. With 20, 000 Ghana cedis financial support from Action-Aid Ghana, Mr. Alhassan Mohammed Awal disclosed that the participants will visit Parliament House in October 2011 to observe Parliamentary sittings and also interact with some women achievers in Ghana.