Abstract:

This paper discusses the issues of partrilineal and gender as they affect effective participation of Ghanaian women in governance. Ghanaian political landscape is underpinned by patrilineal and gender inequality. These two factors have pervaded the Ghanaian political system and in the process hindered Ghanaians from achieving a sense of unity in diversity. The nature of the Ghanaian political system is such that policies are made and decisions taken to favour one ethnic group over another or a male over a female. And this has invariably caused agitations across the country. A truly representative democracy is one that represents and encompasses the interests of both men and women alike. The dividends of democracy can only be enjoyed when participation of people, women and men, in the political process is encouraged without bias to gender.This paper draws evidences and findings from empirical data which were analysed with the use of SPSS.  Statistical analyses include the frequency distribution tables, Chi-Square and simple percentages. A total number of 100 questionnaires were administered to respondents, out of which a total of 68 were collected for analysis. In the ensuing data analysis and interpretation, an undecided stands for respondents that were indifferent to some of the questions asked. Short descriptive analyses of the tables are also presented for the purpose of clarityFor instance, currently in the Ghanaian ministerial appointment, out of 19