Kumasi — GHANAIAN WOMEN have been urged to increase their involvement in the country's quest for peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections, in view of the fact that they would be directly affected by the outcome of the electoral process, either negatively or positively.

At a workshop for traditional women leaders in the Brong Ahafo Region last week, the Programme Manager of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF), Mr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah, noted that it was important to stress the role of women in the electoral process, because they were the latent rulers of the world.

He said though women were few in numbers in the decision-making process, it was much important to highlight all the other roles that they play, saying, "They are the source and an important pillar to their children, husbands, brothers, and friends, who determine the fortunes of development in Ghana."

Touching on the theme, "Promoting Peaceful Elections in Ghana through Strengthening the Role of Queen Mothers," he said as traditional women leaders, they had the responsibility to inform and educate their communities on their campaign and canvassing strategies for votes from the electorate.

He stressed the need for them to demand of politicians to be circumspect on political platforms, speak with the highest decorum on radio station programmes, and be tolerant of dissenting political views. "We need to remind them that after the elections, we will continue to co-exist as one family with a common destiny," he said.

He indicated that though Ghana has had four successful elections without any serious challenges, women in particular, must not relent in the effort to preach peaceful elections, and as well set good examples in their respective areas.

This is because women benefit when the country progresses, and in the same manner they suffer the consequences of man-made disasters such as post-election instability.

According to him, this makes it imperative for "women to take the frontline in their quest for promotion of a peaceful electoral process."

Further, he observed that queensmothers had made enormous contributions towards the attainment of sustainable development in Ghana. This is because as the country struggles towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), it was imperative for traditional women leaders to position themselves to make appropriate contributions to the process.

He pointed out that five of the MDGs, hinged especially on the quality of maternal leadership provided in the country, saying, "You are the leaders of those women, and have to take the responsibility to face these challenges of development."

This responsibility, he explained, extends to other areas such as promoting civic rights of their people, and in view of this, appealed to the women to use the knowledge they would acquire from the workshop, to promote peaceful elections in their communities and the country at large.

He added, "We hope there will be a modest change in our appreciation of the need for peaceful elections."

He pledged his organisation's support in the effort to increase awareness for peace during the 2008 elections, and expressed hope that "whosoever emerges as the winner of the December elections, will be the voice of Ghanaians, which will be respected by all. Together with our resources and your commitment, we hope to make a change."

In a welcome address, the Regional Director of the Department of Women, Madam Victoria Owusu, said it was important for the upcoming elections to be held in a peaceful atmosphere, to ensure that Ghana remained a country of peace, security and stability, stressing, "Indeed, without peace, there can be no development."

She noted that women were best able to use their natural gift as symbols of peace, to encourage men and the youth to uphold peace in their families and communities.

She added that Article 9 of the African Charter's Protocol and other legislative instruments, oblige nations, including Ghana, to ensure equal participation of women in political life, through affirmative action and other enabling measures.

This, she said includes registering as voters, taking part in electioneering campaigns to ensure peace, voting and being voted for.

The workshop was therefore held by the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC), to encourage and strengthen women to become active participants in national affairs, especially in the electioneering process.

Madam Owusu stated that elections had become the only democratic means for selecting leaders to steer the affairs of the nation, and women have no option than to take part in all the activities involved, especially in this year's elections, to ensure truth, decency and peace.

She continued that the involvement of all sections in this important democratic exercise would make them committed to national development, adding, "On this special occasion, an appeal is being made to all Ghanaians to assist, especially pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers, the aged, and persons with disability, and other vulnerable groups, to participate in the electoral process."