Source: allAfrica

An appeal has been made for the indigenes of Akatsi South and Buem to consider reserving their vacant parliamentary seats for only women to contest. The Omanhen of Gomoa Akyempim, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobea II, made the appeal in an interview with the GNA at Apam where he opined that with the two seats being relatively safe for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), nominating women to augment their current number in parliament would be a step in the right direction.

The Akatsi South seat has become vacant due to the elevation of Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, the MP-elect to the position of Speaker of Parliament whilst Buem seat became vacant due to the death of the MP-elect, Mr Henry Ford Kamel on the Christmas day.

Obrifo Ahunako Ankobea said it was unfortunate that women who formed about 51 percent of the Ghanaian population to have only 29 people in the 275 Parliament and that the NDC hierarchy should seek ways to increase their number.

"Ghana needs more women in Parliament," the Omanhen said and urged the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reserve some of their safe constituencies for only women to contest the primaries in future elections.

Obrifo Ahor Akobea congratulated President John Dramani Mahama for winning the presidential election and his colourful investiture.

- GNA

• Ghana