Source: Graphic Online
The Women Peace and Security Communication Network (WPS CommNet), has commended President John Dramani Mahama for the appointment of the new Electoral Commissioner (EC) of Ghana, Mrs Charlotte Osei.

The WPS CommNet is a communication platform for drawing attention to, and championing the demands of the global framework for women's increased participation in leadership and peace processes at all levels.
It said the appointment of a female EC boss showed the government's commitment to women's agenda, and to their peace and security, "as there have been other concerted efforts to facilitate women's involvement and participation in the political peace processes at all levels."
The group also congratulated Mrs Osei on the milestone in her life, describing that as a great achievement for women in the country, on the continent and the globe in general.
It added that effective participation of women in governance would reduce violence.
In a statement, the WPS CommNet also called for a collaboration among all stakeholders of elections in the country to ensure peace before, during and after every elections each year.
The release was under the auspices of the Women, Peace and Security Institute (WPSI) of the WPS CommNet of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
"As we commend the government for her appointment to this high office, we are mindful that 2016 Elections are fast approaching. We, therefore, call for concerted efforts among all stakeholders to ensure peace," it said.
It noted that Ghana was signatory to the UN Security Council's Resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 and 1889 (2009) and had adopted a National Action Plan to implement the UNSCR 1325.
The resolutions, it said, sought to enhance women's peace and security, and addressed violence against women as well as highlighted differing effects of conflict on women, recognising the importance of including them in resolving conflicts and developing sustainable peace.
Further call on government
"We urge the government to put in place stringent measures to ensure a violence-free 2016 elections. We also urge government to put women issues at the centre of policy formulation as women issues are essential for sustainable development," the statement stressed.
It noted with great concern the gap between policy and action with regard to the role and contributions of women to peace processes and their representation in leadership, saying that the appointment of the EC Chairperson is a positive step, and called for similar appointments in other institutions.
"We urge Parliament to pass the Affirmative Law without delay," it said.
Wishing EC Boss well
To the new EC Chairperson, the group prayed that she worked unfettered and enjoyed unwavering support from her team as she worked to build consensus among stakeholders.
"We hope she will work assiduously to support efforts towards the elimination of electoral violence before, during and after elections.
It said it was assured that during her tenure as EC Chairperson, the country would experience positive development in its electoral system.
Responsibility of media and CSOs
The release also called on the media, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and political parties to reflect on their roles in raising awareness and monitoring the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related women, peace and security resolutions.
"We urge the media together with the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), National Peace Council, Faith Based Organisations and CSOs to support the education of the general public on elections and educate people against election violence," it indicated.
Further, the the statement called for continued engagement of political parties to field women candidates as a policy and mobilisation of funds to support women candidates in the electioneering processes.
"As an association, we urge political parties to develop manifestos that include issues of gender and emphasise on ending discrimination and violence against women and girls, and rescuing girls from early marriages and motherhood," it concluded.

• Ghana