- Affirmative Action Bill 2024 becomes law
- Gender-responsive budgeting, political party reforms, education sector reforms
- Economic empowerment, inclusive society, alignment with international agreements
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given his seal of approval to the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards gender equality. This landmark legislation, passed by Parliament in July, aims to address the deep-seated social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances that have historically disadvantaged women in Ghana.
The bill’s passage is a testament to the tireless efforts of various organizations and individuals who have advocated for gender equality in Ghana. Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman, announced the president’s assent on X, stating, “Update: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo @NAkufoAddo has assented to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. Next Step: Implementation”.
First introduced in Parliament in 2016, the Affirmative Action Bill seeks to enhance women’s participation in governance and decision-making in Ghana. It promotes diversity by ensuring equal opportunities for women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups in leadership positions.
The bill sets ambitious targets for gender representation, aligning with international agreements such as CEDAW and the African Charter on Human Rights. By 2026, women are expected to occupy at least 30% of leadership positions, increasing to 35% by 2028 and 50% by 2030.
Currently, women make up 51.2% of Ghana’s population but hold only 13.8% of parliamentary seats and less than 30% of key leadership positions. In local elections, a mere 4.1% of assembly members are women.
The Affirmative Action Bill represents a crucial step towards achieving gender equality in Ghana, covering sectors like education, health, and employment to create a more inclusive society. Its implementation is expected to catalyze economic empowerment for women, fostering an environment where they can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
ActionAid Ghana, a social justice organization, has applauded Parliament’s passage of the bill, urging swift implementation to address systemic barriers impeding women’s progress.
The organization calls on the government, civil society, private sector, and all Ghanaians to support the bill’s implementation, promoting advocacy and awareness campaigns to ensure that women, men, girls, and youth understand their rights under the new law.
As Ghana embarks on this journey towards gender equality, the Affirmative Action Bill serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable society.
