As the 2025 second extraordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament came to a close on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the General Secretary of Female Parliamentarians Association, Maimuna Ceesay has decried the  inability of countries to meet up with their quarter in female legislative representatives. 

Hon. Ceesay who hails from Gambia, called on political parties in West Africa region to factor in gender balance when holding party primaries. 

“It is a cause of concern as a woman. It affect us also. It has been a lip service for women when it comes to decision making. We ask ECOWAS to make sure that  some of those things are implemented. 

“We want to make sure that we are embedded in all the political parties or in all our constitutions to make sure that women are selected in their parties caucus to represent in their national parliamentarians, definitely, l believe 30 percent will be effected.  

“And as long as the party does not believe in that idea, there will be a continuous challenge”, the female parliamentarian stressed. 

Earlier in her closing remarks, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Hadja Memounatou lbrahima, while appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for unalloyed support toward ECOWAS parliament, equally applauded the efforts of the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike and the Rivers state governor, Siminalaye Fubara, for their roles in ensuring the successful hosting of the ECOWAS parliamentary session in Port Harcourt.  

The highlight of the session was the swearing in of the four Ghanaian delegates. 

They included, Hon. Kwame Anyimadu Anti, Hon.George Kweku Ricketts Hagan, Hon Dominic Napare, and Honestly Eric Afful. 

They were sworn in before the Speaker of ECOWAS parliament