Mr Agbenu made this appeal during a forum organised by the Ayawaso West Municipal NCCE with support from the European Partnership for Democracy aimed at empowering women to participate in leadership and contribute to national development.

He emphasised that women were major contributors to society, who play key roles in families, businesses and communities; as such, their participation in governance was essential for sustainable development.

He encouraged women to take advantage of opportunities to contest leadership positions at various
levels, noting that their involvement would lead to more inclusive governance and policies that address the needs of women and children. Mr Agbenu urged women to take an active role in discussions on policies that directly impact their lives and communities, stressing the importance of their voices in shaping decisions that affect their well-being and future.

He emphasised that governance extends beyond the electoral process, highlighting that true democratic participation involved continuous civic engagement, active involvement in community leadership, and advocacy for policies that promoted gender equality and social development.

The NCCE's Greater Accra Regional Director further encouraged women to seize opportunities to contribute to public discourse, engage with policymakers, and take up leadership roles in various sectors to ensure inclusive and representative decision-making processes.

He noted that the development of any nation depended on the full participation of both men and women, encouraging the women to break barriers and contribute their quota to development.