The next NDC government will give 30 per cent of political appointments to women, when it is sworn into office in January 2025. Former President John Dramani Mahama, Presidential Candidate of NDC, who stated this, said the party would work closely with women in the governance of the country to help speed up national development and progress. 'By 2028, we expect women's participation to increase to 35 per cent and by 2030, a 50 per cent representation in parliament. Again, we will increase the number of women in security services, public and private institutions', he added. Mr Mahama, speaking at the presentation session on the NDC's policy proposition for women and town hall conversation in Kumasi, added that the party would continue to make good use of the Affirmative Action law, and deepen discussions to implement policies that would help improve the social standards of women in the country. He said women played a pivotal role in society and there was a need to ensure that they were fully integrated i nto the national decision and policy-making process. Mr Mahama pointed out that it was time women were elevated beyond the mere recipients of governmental policies and position them as a pivotal architects in shaping national governance. 'For us, the NDC mission is straightforward: Ghanaian women are significant, Ghanaian women are our collaborators on this journey' he affirmed. He said the NDC's Women Manifesto attested to the party's resolve to prioritize women's rights, economic empowerment and access to education and healthcare. Mr Mahama touching on the welfare issues of women mentioned that, when in power in 2025, within the first four months, the Women's Development Bank will be given a license to begin operations. This will give impetus to women in small and medium enterprises to upscale their income and be self-reliant. The NDC would complete ongoing market projects, build new markets, and expand existing ones. He said 10,000 youth were going to be trained in entrepreneurial skills annually. S ource: Ghana News Agency