President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially assented to the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024, which was passed by Parliament in July this year. This landmark legislation aims to address longstanding social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in Ghana, which have been perpetuated by historical discrimination against women and enduring patriarchal norms.
Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, announced the president’s assent via a post on X, stating, “Update: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo @NAkufoAddo has assented to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. Next Step: Implementation.”
The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2016, with the primary objective of enhancing women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes throughout the country. The bill seeks to promote diversity and ensure that women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups are afforded equal opportunities in leadership roles across all levels of governance.
Aligned with international agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human Rights, the bill establishes clear targets for gender representation in various sectors. Specifically, it sets quotas of 30% representation by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030 for appointments in public offices and leadership roles.
Currently, women constitute 51.2% of Ghana’s population but occupy only 13.8% of parliamentary seats and less than 30% of significant leadership positions. In local elections, the representation of women is even more disheartening, with only 4.1% of assembly members being female. The new legislation aims to rectify these disparities by introducing gender-responsive budgeting across all government sectors, thereby ensuring that financial allocations are equitable and sensitive to gender needs.
Political parties will also be mandated to adhere to progressive gender equality targets when making nominations and selecting leadership. The Electoral Commission will be responsible for overseeing compliance with these targets, thereby promoting accountability within the political landscape.
In addition to addressing gender representation in politics, the bill emphasizes the importance of achieving gender balance in education. It mandates the Ministry of Education to ensure equal access for girls and to actively work to remove barriers that hinder their academic success. This commitment reflects a broader recognition of the need for educational equity, which is vital for empowering women and girls in Ghana.
The Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill represents a crucial step toward achieving gender equality in Ghana, impacting various sectors including education, health, and employment. By creating a more inclusive society, the legislation aims to foster an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to national development.
The implementation of the bill is expected to involve concerted efforts from multiple stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and community groups. Their collaboration will be essential in translating the aspirations of the bill into tangible outcomes that benefit women and marginalized groups across the country.
As Ghana moves forward with this legislative milestone, the focus will be on ensuring that the commitments outlined in the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act are realized in practice. This includes monitoring progress toward the established gender representation targets and assessing the impact of gender-responsive budgeting on the lives of women and girls.
The assent to this bill signifies the government’s recognition of the critical need for gender equity in all aspects of society. It underscores a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers that have historically marginalized women and other underrepresented groups. The path ahead will require sustained advocacy, awareness-raising, and active engagement from all sectors of society to ensure that the goals of the bill are achieved.
In conclusion, the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024 is not just a legislative achievement; it represents a transformative shift in Ghana’s approach to gender equity. As the country embarks on the implementation phase, the hope is that this legislation will pave the way for a more equitable and just society, where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the governance and development of the nation.
