The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has underscored the urgent need to strengthen women and youth participation in political leadership across West Africa.
She made the call at a High-Level Ministerial Meeting held on February 19, 2026, in Accra, as part of a four-day Regional Consultation on Political Participation and Leadership of Women and Youth in West Africa.
The engagement, hosted by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, forms part of the ECOWAS Anniversary Legacy Project.
Addressing participants, Dr. Lartey described the consultation as both timely and necessary, noting that although women and young people make up the majority of the region’s population and contribute significantly to innovation and development, their presence in political decision-making spaces remains disproportionately low.
She reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing gender equality and youth empowerment, citing initiatives such as the Government’s Reset Agenda, the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, and the ongoing review of the National Gender and Youth Policies.
According to her, these measures are designed to remove structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers that limit inclusive governance.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chair of ECOWAS Ministers responsible for Gender, Madam Isata Mahoi, described the gathering as a decisive moment to break down legal and cultural obstacles, strengthen affirmative action and electoral reforms, and create mentorship pathways that empower women and young leaders.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by Member States to translate regional pledges into concrete national actions aimed at promoting inclusive governance, democratic resilience, and sustainable development across West Africa.
