Drive Change Beyond the Ballot - NCCE Empowers Pantang Women’s Group

The Dromo Women’s Group in Pantang, Aboorman, recently hosted a civic engagement session focused on strengthening women’s participation in governance and national development beyond the elections. The public engagement, organised NCCE’s La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal (LaNMMA) office in partnership with the European Partnership for Democracy, formed part of the ongoing Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) civic engagements. The initiative, aside encouraging active democracy and political participation, sought to equip women with tools to actively contribute to their communities and Ghana’s democratic process.

Speaking at the event, Madam Doris Agyeman, District Director of the NCCE LaNMMA office and resource person for the session, urged the women to be vocal in decision-making processes and actively be involved in local governance. She emphasised that democracy does not end after elections, but thrives when citizens, especially women, continue to engage through policy discussions, advocacy, volunteerism, and civic dialogue. She also stressed the importance of holding elected leaders accountable to ensure governance reflects the priorities of the people, particularly women and marginalised groups.

Madam Agyeman encouraged participants to be agents of peace and unity in the wake of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, noting the critical role of women in fostering reconciliation and stability. Citing Ghana’s historic appointment of a female Vice President as motivation, she reminded the women that progress is possible through persistence and capacity building. The event concluded with an interactive discussion, where women shared ideas and challenges. Suggestions were made to establish a civic education club within the group to sustain the momentum of civic engagement and national development.