Gender and Power Dynamics in African Political Transitions: A Mixed Methods Inquiry in Ghana,

Recent political transitions in Africa have highlighted gender disparities in power structures. In Ghana, these dynamics are particularly pronounced, with significant implications for societal development. A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining pre-existing data on policy implementation with interviews of key stakeholders. Quantitative data includes surveys assessing gender representation in political institutions, while qualitative insights are gathered through semi-structured interviews focusing on power distribution among different sectors and levels of governance. Analysis reveals a clear trend where female politicians face challenges in gaining leadership positions compared to their male counterparts, with women comprising only 15% of the highest echelons of political leadership. Interviews corroborate these findings by highlighting persistent gender biases in nomination processes for high-ranking government roles. The mixed-methods approach reveals significant disparities in power dynamics based on gender, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to mitigate such inequalities and promote inclusivity in Ghana's governance structures. Recommendations include the implementation of quotas for women’s representation in political leadership to ensure balanced participation. Additionally, training programmes aimed at fostering inclusive environments should be initiated within governmental institutions.