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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has signed the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024 into law, marking a historic step toward addressing gender inequality in Ghana.
The bill, passed by Parliament in July, aims to rectify long-standing social, economic, and political imbalances, particularly those affecting women, due to historical discrimination and entrenched patriarchal systems.
The bill sets ambitious targets for women’s representation in leadership positions across both public and private sectors, with the goal of achieving 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030. It also mandates gender-responsive budgeting and ensures gender balance in education, requiring the Ministry of Education to remove barriers that hinder girls’ success.
Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, made the announcement in a social media post, expressing optimism about the next steps of implementation.
The Affirmative Action Act aligns with international commitments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human Rights.
It focuses not only on women’s participation in governance but also on achieving gender equity in various sectors, including education, health, and employment.
With women making up 51.2% of Ghana’s population but only holding 13.8% of parliamentary seats, the new law is seen as a vital move toward fostering a more inclusive society.
The Electoral Commission will oversee political parties’ compliance with gender equality targets in nominations and leadership roles, further reinforcing the nation’s commitment to progress.
