Parliament has officially passed the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024 into law.
The bill aims to tackle long-standing gender imbalances in Ghana, addressing the social, cultural, economic, and political disparities stemming from historical discrimination against women and entrenched patriarchal norms.
Its objectives include promoting gender equity across both the public and private sectors, ensuring that opportunities and rights are equally accessible to all genders.
Announcing the passage of the bill on Tuesday, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin stated, “Honourable members, the ‘ayes’ have it. The Affirmative Action Gender Equality Bill 2024 is now officially enacted as the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act after being duly read for the third time and passed.”
Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South, has expressed strong reservations about the Affirmative Action Bill currently under consideration in Parliament.
Speaking at the 15th MTN Pulse Africa Transform Summit in Kumasi, Mr. Iddrisu criticized the bill for its lack of focus on issues pertinent to Ghana. He argued that the bill primarily addresses concerns relevant to other countries rather than the specific challenges faced in Ghana.
While voicing his dissatisfaction with the bill’s content, Mr. Iddrisu urged women to pursue their ambitions but also emphasized the importance of managing their expectations realistically.
