Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has called for the recognition of women in Ghana’s National Pledge.
She explained that the exclusion of mothers from the National Pledge, with the clause “through the blood and toil of our fathers,” overlooks the significant role women played in Ghana’s independence struggle and is gender insensitive.
“The National Pledge talks about ‘through the blood and toil of our fathers’ and omits mothers, but the mothers also toiled for this country, and it is gender insensitive,” Sarah Adwoa Safo said on the floor of Parliament.
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MP for Dome Kwabenya Sara Adwoa Safo questioned the part of the National Pledge which references "our forefathers" indicating it's gender bias. The MP suggested "foremothers" be included to cater for women.
The speaker however indicated the wording is from the… pic.twitter.com/58y1Qu6lqh
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) February 6, 2024
She made the call following the House’s implementation of its new Standing Orders, which require Members of Parliament to recite the National Pledge before proceedings. Order 69 of the new Standing Orders enjoins Members of the House to recite the National Pledge at the first sitting of every week of a Meeting.
The new Standing Orders also required heads of state of institutions to directly be on the Floor of the House to answer questions related to their agencies.
Sarah Adwoa Safo urged Parliament and the relevant stakeholders to critically assess and make the necessary amendments.
