143 of their place in Ghanaian society. Citing from feminist theory, Nagengast(1994) provides us an apt explanation of the utility of symbolic violence by suggesting that it is'important in structuring and ordering of relations of domination and power'. Women as vectors of election-related violence: The case of 'One Woman Thousand' and the'Queen of the Street' It would be erroneous to assume that women are simply victims of election-related violence. Although they are disproportionately affected by such violence, women are also vectors of election­related violence. Women as vectors of election-related violence have mainly operated within the larger structural framework of party politics in Ghana. As a result, most of those who have gained entry, acceptance and a voice have done so by playing according to the rules of the political party game. They have therefore failed to lead an agenda for the alteration of the rules of the game to improve the prospects of women within the political arena and those seeking to join. In short, they have failed to transform the institutions but have rather been co-opted to facilitate the established systems and structures. Generally, the activities of these women are not specifically directed at other women but are non-gendered, catching anyone that falls within range. Frances Essiam is alleged to have admitted being used by President J.J. Rawlings and his cronies to undertake“verbal assassinations” of some NDC party members. According to The Chronicle, Essiam allegedly confessed that President Rawlings suggested that she was the only person who could stop Obed Asamoah in his tracks. She allegedly stated that“she obeyed and carried the assassination job, moving from one 143 In Ghana, it is common for male family members to“discipline” adult female family members perceived to have erred. This is because men are perceived as the heads of their households with the authority to correct and discipline. Frances Essiam refers to herself as'One Woman Thousand' while Ursula Owusu calls herself'Queen of the Street'. The two titles are used to connote sources of power. 297