The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has placed the responsibility for improving women’s representation in politics squarely on the shoulders of political parties, arguing that meaningful gender empowerment must begin long before candidates reach the floor of Parliament.

Speaking at a Political Inclusion and Consensus Building Forum organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the speaker expressed disappointment that none of the parties contesting the upcoming Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election has nominated a female candidate.

According to him, parties serve as the primary gatekeepers of Ghana’s democratic system and, therefore, remain the most effective starting point for building inclusive leadership.

“Political parties are the gateways to representation. Parliament is the arena where representation becomes decision-making. Therefore, inclusion must begin in parties and mature in Parliament,” he said.

Bagbin noted that without deliberate action at the party level, particularly during candidate selection, calls for gender balance in Parliament would remain rhetorical.

He disclosed that he had expected at least one party to present a woman for the March 3 contest but said that hope has not been realised.

“I was waiting for any party to have fielded a female candidate in the Ayawaso East by-election. I will personally support the candidate because we need more of our women in Parliament. Unfortunately, the parties have disappointed me,” he stated.

The by-election was triggered by the death of the incumbent lawmaker, Mahama Naser Toure, who passed away in January while receiving treatment at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Five male aspirants are currently in the race.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has nominated Baba Jamal, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is represented by Yussif Baba Ali. Ibrahim Iddrisu is contesting on the ticket of the Liberal People’s Party (LPP), with two independent candidates also on the ballot.

For Speaker Bagbin, however, the absence of a female contender highlights a deeper structural problem, one that can only be corrected if parties consciously prioritise women during internal primaries and nominations.

His remarks have renewed calls for political organisations to adopt reforms that actively promote female participation, positioning parties not just as vehicles for elections, but as the foundation for gender equity in governance.