Forty-five women have been trained as election observers ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections in Accra.
The participants were equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required for effective and professional election observation.
The training brought together women from selected districts, including Tema West, Ga West, Akim West, Ho Central, Birim Central, and Adansi Asokwa Municipal Assemblies.
Organised by ABANTU for Development, a Non-Governmental Organisation, the event was supported by STAR-Ghana and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
It was themed "Strengthening Advocacy for Responsive and Inclusive Election 2024 and Beyond."
Trainer
A former member of the Electoral Commission and election trainer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Madam Pauline Adobea Dadzawa, facilitated the training session.
She educated participants on Ghana's electoral system and provided guidelines on the dos and don’ts of election observation.
Madam Dadzawa in an interview with AGTV News, further highlighted the importance of local observers, especially women, in promoting transparency.
“It’s refreshing to see more local observers, with women being included, ready to contribute to credible elections,” she stated.
The Programme Officer at ABANTU, Madam Grace Ampomah Afrifa, emphasised that “this program empowers women with the knowledge and skills to play crucial roles in ensuring free and fair elections. Women are vital to strengthening our democratic process.”
Participants
Participants described the training as transformative.
Suzzy, one of the attendees, shared her experience: “This session has been an eye-opener. I now understand how to observe elections ethically and professionally. I feel confident to contribute to electoral credibility in my community.”
The initiative marks a significant step in fostering inclusivity and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process, with women positioned as advocates for transparency and fairness.
