STAR-Ghana Raises Alarm Over Gender Imbalance in National Peace Council
Only 3 Women Among 13 Members, Falling Short of Legal Requirement
The STAR-Ghana Foundation has expressed deep concern about the significant gender imbalance in Ghana’s newly reconstituted National Peace Council. With only three women among its 13 members (23% representation), the composition fails to meet the 30% minimum requirement under Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act of 2024.
“You can’t build peace with half the population left behind,” warned Eunice Racheal Agbenyadzi, Head of Programmes at STAR-Ghana, in a strongly-worded statement.
Threat to Peacebuilding Effectiveness
The National Peace Council, established by Act 818 in 2011, plays a crucial role in conflict prevention, management, and resolution. STAR-Ghana argues that the current gender disparity:
- Undermines the Council’s effectiveness
- Marginalizes women’s voices in governance
- Contradicts Ghana’s commitments to international frameworks like UN Security Council Resolution 1325
While acknowledging that three women represent the highest female participation since the Council’s inception, the Foundation insists this progress remains insufficient.
Global Evidence Supports Gender Balance
International research demonstrates why gender inclusion matters in peacebuilding:
- UN Women reports peace agreements are 35% more likely to last 15+ years with women’s participation
- The World Bank links women’s involvement to better post-conflict recovery
- Oxfam highlights successful women-led peace committees in Liberia
Call for Immediate Action
As the Council prepares to establish Regional Peace Councils, STAR-Ghana demands urgent corrective measures:
- Meeting the 30% women’s representation threshold
- Including youth representation in peace processes
- Ensuring active participation of women and youth in regional conflict resolution
“This isn’t just about numbers,” the statement emphasized. “Ghana cannot afford to build peace with half its population excluded. The time to act is now.”
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