Thirty-five aspiring assemblywomen in the Upper West Region attended a day's workshop on campaign strategies to enhance their chances of winning seats in the District Level Elections in August.
The workshop organized by the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs in collaboration with Fielmua Area Development Association was sponsored by Abantu Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
The aspirants from the eight districts in the region; were taken through the art of public speaking, confidence building skills, campaign strategies and mounting of platforms, the district assembly concept and election procedures.
Mr Mac Adams Banda, Wa Municipal Chief Executive addressing the opening session, urged serving and aspiring assemblywomen to make meaningful contributions to debate and discussions during the deliberations of the assemblies.
He said 30 per cent of Government appointees in the assemblies had been reserved for women to make up for the low representation of women.
Mr Banda said for the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II) to make the desired impact, there was the need for women to be on board at the local government system because women provide leadership devoid of partisanship.
Mrs Kate Bob-Milliar, Upper West Regional Director of Women's Department said so far, 96 aspiring assemblywomen in the region had confirmed their intention to contest the election.
She said only 35 out of 100 women who contested the local level elections in 2002 were elected and was optimistic there would be an improvement in the number of elected assemblywomen this year.
Mrs Rosaline Obeng-Ofori, a Consultant on Gender Issues reminded the aspirants that the work of an assembly member was not easy, and required determination and sacrifice.
She therefore, urged them to be prepared for the task ahead when elected.