He said the ‘Ghana Compact’ project initiated by ACET with support from policy institutes to set a vision for the nation, outline collectively agreed solutions for the country’s biggest challenges, and identify targets for tracking progress towards the agreed vision, would not be fruitful without the equal representation of women at important and high level decision making sessions.
He made the submission at a technical consultation meeting organised by ACET with support from NETRIGHT Ghana to solicit ideas through the COMPACT process to stimulate a change in national decision making processes and propel national growth.
Dr Amoako said it was unfortunate that the majority of those in extreme poverty in Africa were women.
“Meanwhile, a research in Kenya proved that women in agriculture when given one per cent more resources enhance productivity by 25 per cent,” he said.
He noted that there was, therefore, a moral imperative to take women out of poverty, saying when women were given equal and better education, the economy would become more productive.
A thorough assessment of Africa in Gender equality, Dr Amoako said showed that Ghana lagged behind in the area women in leadership positions and making gender sensitive budgets to improve the state of the marginalised in societies.
He expressed optimism that political actors considered issues about gender equality and call to pass the Affirmative Action Bill in their manifestos as the nation headed towards another election year.
Professor Akosua Darkwah, Convener, NETRIGHT Steering Committee, asked women to endeavour to be present at important decision making tables and ensure that their voices were heard.
“What we want is not to go and stand on international platforms and say we have passed this Bill or have that Act, what we need is translating that into reality for change on the ground for our women.
“In Ghana if you want to die quickly, try giving birth. I almost had a personal experience of maternal mortality. That is why after delivery, one tells you, wo tiri nkwa (you are lucky to survive labour,” she said.