- President Akufo-Addo to assent Gender Equality Bill by September.
- Bill aims to provide equal opportunities for all genders.
- Passage aligns with UN's Sustainable Development Goal 5.
- Ministry to set up Committee for Bill's implementation.
President Akufo-Addo is expected to assent to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Bill 2024 by the end of September, barring any last-minute issues.
The Bill, passed by Parliament on July 30, 2024, aims to provide equal opportunities for all genders and promote gender parity.
Gender Advocate Sheila Minka Premo expressed optimism that the President’s assent will not be delayed, as the Bill originated from the Executive arm of government.
Minka Premo acknowledged that the Bill’s targets for achieving gender parity may seem ambitious, but emphasized that it is a work in progress.
She stressed the importance of setting up a Committee to ensure the Bill’s implementation, which will be a key task for the Ministry.
The Affirmative Action Bill aligns with Article 35 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination and promotes integration.
Ghana’s Constitution envisions gender equality, but previous interventions have fallen short, making the Bill a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
As a signatory to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Ghana is committed to achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls by 2030.
The Bill’s passage is seen as a significant move towards meeting these commitments, particularly SDG Goal 5.
With the President’s assent expected soon, the Bill will become a landmark law, promoting gender equality and opportunities for all in Ghana.
