Accra, Ghana – March 25, 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening the participation of youth and women in governance, Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica), in collaboration with the Parliament of Ghana, successfully hosted a specialized orientation session for young and women MPs-elect of the 9th Parliament on Monday, March 24, 2025.
The session, organized as part of the Enhancing Civic Participation of Youth and Women in Ghana Project, provided newly elected young and women parliamentarians with essential knowledge and strategies to enhance their legislative and representative functions. Key discussions focused on Open Parliament principles, fostering collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the establishment of a Youth/Women Parliamentarians Forum to serve as a platform for mentorship and advocacy.
Key Highlights of the Forum
The session featured discussions on:
Open Parliament principles, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
Effective engagement with CSOs to advance legislative and developmental priorities.
The formal establishment of the Youth/Women Parliamentarians Forum, focusing on mentorship, collaboration, and policy advocacy on youth and gender-related issues.
Speaking at the event, PNAfrica’s Programmes Manager, Gilbert Borketey Boyefio, emphasized the critical role of young and women MPs in driving legislative reforms that promote inclusivity and civic engagement.
“This forum is a key step in ensuring that young and women parliamentarians are empowered with the right tools to champion governance reforms and engage meaningfully with citizens and stakeholders,” he stated.
Representing the French Ambassador to Ghana, Christine Battesti, Political Counsellor at the French Embassy, reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the project, emphasizing the importance of mentoring young and women leaders.
“This programme is very important to us because we believe it is crucial to mentor young people—particularly young women—to become key players in the country’s political life,” she said.
The Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus of the 9th Parliament, Hon. Doyoe Kudjo Ghanzah, encouraged Caucus Members to actively participate in the programme and contribute to shaping their strategic plan.
“We must take an active role in shaping our strategies to navigate both the opportunities and challenges within Ghana’s governance system,” she urged.
Kofi Arko Doku, a Member of the Leadership of the Young Parliamentarians Forum, speaking on behalf of President Joyceline Quarshi, highlighted the growing influence of young MPs in the legislature.
“With over 65% of MPs in the 9th Parliament under the age of 45, we have a significant role in promoting youth and gender inclusiveness, civic engagement, and meaningful dialogues that drive positive change,” he noted.
He further emphasized that the forum represents more than just an event—it marks the continuation of a movement aimed at amplifying the voices of young parliamentarians and fostering greater collaboration with the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and Civil Society Organizations.
“As young parliamentarians, we recognize the weight of our leadership and the power of collaboration. We must ensure our rightful place at the decision-making table,” he added.
Experience sharing
The Leadership of the Women Caucus in Kenya and Sierra Leone as well as the Kenya Young Parliamentary association shared their experiences at the programme
Expected Impact
By the end of the session, participants had gained a deeper understanding of Open Parliament principles and expressed commitment to collaborating with CSOs to enhance their effectiveness in Parliament. The event also resulted in a consensus on the operationalization of the Youth/Women Parliamentarians Forum, setting the stage for a structured approach to advancing youth and gender-related policies in Parliament.
PNAfrica reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy and ensuring that young and women legislators have the necessary platforms and resources to excel in governance.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
