[ 2015-03-26 ]

NPP’s affirmative action constitutional and proper – Kwame Akuffo
Private legal practitioner, Kwame Akuffo has
rejected claims by political analysts that NPP’s
affirmative action is unconstitutional, saying the
position is rather “refreshing and proper".

According to Mr. Akuffo, the decision by the NPP
to reserve for women, the party’s 16 seats in
parliament occupied by women is rather a "positive
discrimination” and within the domain of the
constitution.

Yesterday’s national executive committee’s
resolution has been greeted with pockets of
demonstrations by party supporters nationwide.
They are demanding the party’s hierarchy
reconsider its decision, in spite of explanation
by the NPP's communications director that
consultation would be used to win over men who
want to contest those seats. Nana Akomea was
categorical that persons who insist would not be
barred from contesting.

Many political pundits said the decision is not
only unconstitutional but experimental and
suicidal.

However, Mr. Kwame Akuffo told Joy News he
“rejects that argument in its entirety”.

Many suggest the party’s position is an affront
to Article 17 (2) under Ghana’s 1992
Constitution which stipulates that “A persons
shall not be discriminated against on grounds of
gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion,
creed or social or economic status.”

Nonetheless, there is nothing unconstitutional in
doing something to improve women representation in
public office, Mr. Akuffo argued.

If the affirmative action is considered
unconstitutional, he maintained, then policies
such as the Savannah Accelerated Development
Authority (SADA) in which national resources are
channelled purposely to develop the three northern
regions could also be described as
unconstitutional.

The lawyer also mntioned cases where universities
reserve a quota specifically for female enrolment,
which he cited as being positive discrimination.

In his opinion, what the executives did was "a
reasonable step” to shore up women participation
in a “male dominated consecutive society”.

Lawyer and gender activist, Gloria Ofori Boadu
contested claims that the decision is suicidal and
a death wish, describing the arguments as sad.

She said although the decision was a “positive
step… it is even not good enough”, and wished
the party had gone further to take decisions that
will improve and protect women participation in
politics.

Source - MyjoyOnline

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