Ghana Hosts High-Level ECOWAS Assembly to Boost Women and Youth Political Participation

Introduction

In a landmark regional initiative, Ghana recently convened a high-level ministerial meeting focused on advancing the political participation and leadership of women and youth across West Africa. This assembly, held from February 17-19, 2026, represents a significant step toward achieving gender parity and inclusive governance in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The gathering brought together government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders to address persistent barriers that limit women and young people’s representation in political institutions.

Key Points

Background

The ECOWAS region faces significant challenges in achieving gender parity in political representation. Despite women and youth comprising the majority of West Africa’s population and contributing substantially to innovation, resilience, and economic development, their presence in political modernization and decision-making institutions remains disproportionately low. This disparity reflects deep-rooted structural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers that have historically limited access to political power for these demographic groups.

The assembly in Ghana emerged from the ECOWAS Anniversary Legacy Project, an initiative designed to accelerate progress toward gender equality and inclusive governance across member states. This regional consultation represents a coordinated effort to translate international commitments into actionable national policies that promote democratic resilience and sustainable development throughout West Africa.

Analysis

The timing and significance of this assembly cannot be overstated. As West African nations continue to strengthen their democratic institutions, ensuring meaningful participation from all segments of society becomes paramount. The gathering in Ghana demonstrates regional leadership in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in African governance: the underrepresentation of women and youth in political decision-making processes.

Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, articulated a compelling case for accelerated action. Her observations highlighted the paradox that while women and young people constitute the demographic majority and drive innovation and economic growth, their political representation remains minimal. This disconnect represents not only a democratic deficit but also a missed opportunity for more responsive and effective governance.

The Minister’s emphasis on Ghana’s national interventions provides a model for other ECOWAS member states. The Government’s Reset Agenda, coupled with the recently enacted Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act and the ongoing review of National Gender and Youth Policies, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to dismantling barriers to participation. These measures address the multifaceted nature of exclusion, recognizing that legal frameworks, policy environments, and cultural norms all play interconnected roles in shaping political participation.

Madam Isata Mahoi, Chair of ECOWAS Ministers responsible for Gender, framed the assembly as a “call to action” for member states. Her emphasis on dismantling legal, cultural, and institutional barriers acknowledges the complex ecosystem that must be transformed to achieve meaningful inclusion. The call for strengthened affirmative action and electoral reforms reflects an understanding that incremental change is insufficient; systemic transformation is required to position women and youth as architects of West Africa’s democratic future.

Practical Advice

For policymakers and stakeholders seeking to advance women and youth political participation in West Africa, several key strategies emerge from this assembly:

1. **Implement comprehensive legal reforms**: Enact and enforce legislation that mandates gender quotas and youth representation in political institutions, similar to Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act.

2. **Develop targeted capacity-building programs**: Create mentorship initiatives that pair experienced political leaders with emerging women and youth leaders to build political skills and networks.

3. **Reform electoral systems**: Modify electoral processes to reduce barriers to entry for women and youth candidates, including campaign financing reforms and gender-responsive budgeting.

4. **Address socio-cultural barriers**: Launch public awareness campaigns that challenge stereotypes and promote the value of diverse representation in governance.

5. **Establish monitoring mechanisms**: Create robust systems for tracking progress on gender and youth inclusion targets, with regular reporting and accountability measures.

6. **Foster cross-border collaboration**: Leverage regional platforms like ECOWAS to share best practices and coordinate efforts across member states.

7. **Engage traditional and religious leaders**: Partner with influential community figures to promote cultural acceptance of women and youth in leadership roles.

FAQ

Conclusion

The high-level ECOWAS assembly hosted by Ghana marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to achieve gender parity and inclusive governance in West Africa. By bringing together regional leaders to address the multifaceted barriers to women and youth political participation, this gathering has set a clear agenda for transformative action. The commitments made during this assembly—from legal reforms to capacity-building initiatives—represent a comprehensive approach to dismantling the structural, institutional, and socio-cultural obstacles that have historically limited representation.

As ECOWAS member states move forward with implementing the recommendations from this assembly, the region stands at a critical juncture. The path to inclusive governance requires sustained political will, adequate resource allocation, and genuine commitment to systemic change. The leadership demonstrated by Ghana, coupled with the collective resolve expressed by participating ministers, offers hope that West Africa can achieve a democratic future where women and youth are not merely participants but key architects of political and economic development.

The success of this initiative will ultimately be measured not by the eloquence of speeches or the comprehensiveness of policy documents, but by tangible increases in women and youth representation in political institutions and the meaningful impact of their participation on governance outcomes. As the region continues on this journey, the ECOWAS assembly in Ghana will be remembered as a catalyst for change—a moment when West African leaders collectively affirmed that inclusive governance is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality.