Accra: The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), in collaboration with the Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment-Ghana (RISE-Ghana), has conducted a capacity-building workshop aimed at empowering women and youth to engage effectively in local governance and electoral processes.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop gathered 20 participants, including women, political youth activists, Assembly Members, and past political aspirants from various communities within the Bawku West District. The initiative sought to equip these individuals with knowledge on overcoming barriers to participation in decision-making and electoral processes. The training covered topics such as political tolerance, peace, campaigning strategies, policy influencing, and the duties of a citizen.
This workshop is part of the ‘Enhancing Social Cohesion and Social Contract through the Empowerment of Women and Youth in Three Northern Regions of Ghana’ project. Funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, the projec
t is implemented by CDD-Ghana in partnership with RISE-Ghana and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Mr. Peter Annor Mensah, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at CDD-Ghana, highlighted the importance of addressing barriers that limit women and youth participation in local governance. He emphasized the need for more women and young people to not only contest in elections but also contribute meaningfully to governance. The training aims to equip them with the tools and confidence needed to engage constructively in electoral and governance processes.
Mr. John Kaguna, a Project Officer at RISE-Ghana, underscored the collaboration’s role in promoting peaceful political participation and leadership among marginalized groups. He noted that issue-based and inclusive political engagement reduces tensions and fosters social cohesion, creating a platform for women and youth to share expe
riences and form cross-party alliances.
Mr. Joachim Elbazar, the Nabdam District Director of the NCCE, facilitated sessions on the duties of a citizen and political tolerance, urging participants to champion tolerance and discourage hate speech and political violence. He stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence as a foundation for national development.
Ms. Vida Atenibilla Abugbune, Deputy Speaker of the Zebilla Constituency Youth Parliament, praised the organizers for their efforts in empowering women and youth. She acknowledged the impact of such initiatives but highlighted the financial challenges participants face in organizing community sensitizations. She appealed for support, particularly in securing radio airtime, to reach broader audiences and educate more women and youth on political participation and good governance.