The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to extend its 50% nomination fee reduction to women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) contesting all national executive positions. This call aims to address financial barriers hindering underrepresented groups from seeking higher leadership roles within the party.
This appeal follows the NPP's decision to set a GHS 8,000 nomination fee for candidates seeking the positions of Nasara, Women's, and Youth Organisers. GenCED views this concession as a positive initial step. However, the organisation believes limiting the reduction to only these three positions does not sufficiently tackle the broader financial challenges faced by these groups.
Ghana's political landscape often sees high nomination fees as a significant hurdle for aspiring leaders. For instance, candidates for National Chairperson will pay GHS 50,000. Vice Chairperson and General Secretary aspirants face fees of GHS 30,000 and GHS 25,000, respectively. Other principal positions attract a GHS 10,000 nomination fee. These figures highlight the substantial financial commitment required to seek party office.
GenCED's research on political participation consistently shows that nomination fees are just one part of a larger financial burden. Aspirants must also fund campaigns, delegate engagement, transportation, mobilisation, and communications. When these costs become too high, political leadership risks becoming accessible mainly to those with significant financial resources. This can exclude individuals with competence, commitment, and support but limited funds.
The financial barriers are particularly challenging for women, young people, and PWDs. These groups often have limited access to political financing and established support networks. GenCED therefore advocates for at least a 50% reduction in nomination fees for these demographics across all national executive positions. This measure would help level the playing field.
GenCED's position aligns with Ghana's affirmative-action framework. The organisation cited the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121). This Act sets a minimum target of 30% representation for women by 2026. It also seeks progressive movement towards gender parity in decision-making roles. Reducing nomination fees serves as a practical step to remove financial obstacles to women's participation in party leadership.
The organisation acknowledged the NPP's current fee reduction for Women's, Youth, and Nasara Organisers. It described this as a recognition that different groups face different barriers to political participation. GenCED, however, wants this principle extended to other leadership positions. If women and youth organisers warrant reduced financial barriers, then women, youth, and PWDs seeking other top roles should receive similar consideration. This includes positions like National Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Organiser.
GenCED stressed that its proposal does not seek preferential treatment. It aims to correct an unequal starting point for these underrepresented groups. The organisation has asked the NPP to institutionalise this fee reduction as an affirmative-action measure within its internal electoral framework. This would ensure consistent application and clear eligibility criteria.
The organisation also called for the NPP to publish clear eligibility criteria and procedures for accessing the concession. It wants the party to apply the reduction consistently across all leadership positions. Furthermore, GenCED urged the NPP to develop broader financial and institutional support for women, youth, and PWDs seeking party leadership. This comprehensive approach would foster greater inclusivity.
GenCED believes that reducing the financial cost of entering political contests will make party leadership more inclusive and representative. It urged the NPP to use its upcoming national elections to demonstrate a practical commitment. This commitment involves increasing the participation of women, youth, and PWDs in political decision-making. Such steps are crucial for a truly democratic and representative political system in Ghana.