GENDER, POLITICAL CULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY IN GHANA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

This study examined the question of gender and, politics and decision-making in Ghana's democratic divensation, The main objective of the study was to understand how political culture facilitates the inclusion of men and women for sustainable democracy in Ghana A cross-sectional design also termed as quasi-experimentation or quasi control design was applied in the study in the capital cities of Northern Ghana. Questionnaire, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were the main tools used to collect empirical data, Data analysis was qualitatively and quantitatively. Results of the study indicated that in the three northern regional capitals, women have a low representation in politics and decision-making due to a number of factors: sociocultural, illiteracy, finance and religious. This did not however, apply to men. The conclusion is that women are prepared to have their voices heard in the decision-making processes of the three regional capitals in District/Municipal/Metropolitan Assemblies and other structures that provide the opportunity. Recommendations made were with regards to promoting the education of women and strengthening the capacities and confidence levels of women.