Apologize To New EC Boss for Bad Comment

A group calling itself Network for Women Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) has expressed disappointment at a comment made by the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, claiming that the Electoral Commission Chair job is “too rough for women.”

His comment, according to the group, is disturbing, and further called on him to render an apology to the newly appointed EC boss, Jean Mensah, and women at large.

This was indicated in a statement signed and issued yesterday by Pauline Vande- Pallen, Convenor of the group.

Mr. Bagbin is reported to have stated on an Accra based FM station that the sacked EC boss, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, being a woman, does not mean her replacement ought to have been another woman.

According to him, the criticism that comes with that office usually discourages other women from picking up political appointment, hence, wanted a man to fill that role.

“I don’t think because the outgone [EC Chair] was a lady, the incoming must also be a lady. That turf is too rough for a lady. Our ladies are doing well, they are tough, but I don’t think we should be risking them that much,” He said.

However, the group believes his comment seeks to promote the negative societal perceptions of women being subordinates of men in all spheres of life.

“Ghanaian women have excelled in many fields and decision making spaces and it is appalling and unacceptable that as a leader and legislator, rather than encouraging women to build on these successes, you rather seek to limit the heights that women can go and the offices that we can occupy because of the ‘stress’ the spaces may have on women,” the statement read.

The group further called on the Nadowli-Kaleo MP who is also aspiring for the NDC flagbearer ship, to state steps he intends to take to ensure the effect of his utterance on women occupying certain positions is eventually and effectively dispelled.

Mrs. Jean Mensah, the Head of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) was appointed as the EC boss on July, 23 by the President.

Her appointment follows the sacking of the former Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, and her two deputies – Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku Amankwa from office upon the recommendation of a committee set up by the Chief Justice, to investigate separate complaints leveled against them.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum