Daboya MP�s Comment Is An Act Of Terror � 31st DWM

The 31st December Women�s Movement is adding its voice to the various organizations that have condemned the comments made by the MP of Daboya Makarigu, Nelson Abudu Baani as inciteful and a criminal offense against women of Ghana. For the sake of justice, peace, security, and development, violence and discrimination against women must be criticized and condemned in all its forms. The fundamental rights of women are clear provisions guaranteed by the 1992 constitution, which is to protect the rights of all citizens of Ghana. The constitution of Ghana guarantees every person in Ghana�s fundamental rights and freedoms and provides protection against discrimination and enjoins the state to take steps to end all forms of discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnicity, religion and creed, social and economic status. In addition, Ghana under International Human Rights instruments such as the UN Charter of 1945 has the obligation and commitment of eliminating all forms of discrimination against women which are clear provisions for improving the status of women and promoting gender, equality and not endangering or inciting violence against women. The Movement is concerned with the ration of female/male membership of parliament, which does not reflect a population composed of over 51% women. The lack of political will and commitment by the political parties and the executive arm to facilitate women�s effective participation in politics and decision-making are some of the critical challenges facing the nation. These are some of the reasons that can provoke violent utterances. We urge more women to avail themselves for various positions for the 2016 elections since the solution to women�s issues lies primarily in our hands and our voices will be amplified as there is strength in numbers. We urge political parties to promote affirmative action to progressively increase the number of women candidates for the 2016 election. Ghana has a rich and vibrant culture with many positive elements such as diversity, respect and consideration for others irrespective of age, gender or status. We are calling on the Speaker of Parliament to bring the MP to book for his call on getting adulterous women stoned and hanged since this is an act of terror and incites violence against women. An apology in this circumstance is not enough We are calling on MP Nelson Abudu Baani to resign from Parliament to avert any further negative incitements.