PSRS Inaugurates Technical Coordinating Group to Drive Gender Equity Across Public Sector

By PROSPER AGBENYEGA

Public Sector Reform Secretariat (PSRS) has inaugurated a Technical Coordinating Group (TCG) to spearhead the implementation of the Comprehensive Gender Strategy for the Public Sector (CGSPS 2024–2028), a major initiative aimed at embedding gender equity across all public institutions.

The inauguration, held at the Conference Room of the Public Sector Reform Secretariat, marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to address longstanding gender disparities in public service leadership, staffing, and service delivery.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba (MP), who is also the Committee Chairperson, emphasized the need to eliminate systemic gender barriers and foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.

“This Strategy represents our collective commitment to creating a public sector where both women and men can thrive, lead, and contribute without discrimination or bias,” the Minister stated.

The Technical Coordinating Group comprises representatives from Central Management Agencies, selected Ministries, and key public sector organizations.

The team is tasked with providing strategic leadership and oversight in the rollout of the gender strategy, which was developed following extensive consultations and a gender gap analysis conducted by PwC Ghana.

The Strategy seeks to address challenges such as policy inconsistencies, limited inter-ministerial coordination, and low prioritization of gender mainstreaming. Key objectives of the CGSPS include:

Achieving gender balance in staffing and leadership,

Promoting a respectful, non-discriminatory, and supportive work environment,

Ensuring employee health and well-being,

Building capacity to support gender-sensitive career progression,

Delivering inclusive public services,

Establishing measurable indicators for tracking gender equity progress

The CGSPS is closely aligned with the recently passed Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which seeks to institutionalize gender equality in all aspects of national life.

Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba SAID, “We are already halfway through the second year of the Strategy,” the Minister reminded, urging the Group to expedite the development of implementation guidelines and an action plan, and to submit quarterly reports that offer transparency and accountability.

Beyond implementation, the Minister also called for greater visibility and public engagement.

“The CGSPS must not remain a bureaucratic document. I expect to see active digital presence—on the websites of the Reform Secretariat and partner institutions—and ongoing awareness campaigns to eliminate unconscious bias,” Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba added.

Members of the Group were reminded of the national importance of their task and urged to carry out their duties with dedication and diligence.

The Minister, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba pledged her full support to resource mobilization efforts and promised to closely monitor the Group’s progress.

The inauguration officially launches what the government hopes will be a transformative period in gender mainstreaming within Ghana’s public sector, setting new standards for inclusive governance.

“Let this mark the beginning of a collaborative journey towards accelerating gender equity in the public sector. May our combined efforts drive meaningful progress,” the Minister said.

She stressed that, while Ghana has had various gender policies and affirmative action frameworks in place, there is a renewed push to harmonize and implement these more efficiently.

“This is not a new concept. Gender equity strategies have always existed across ministries and agencies,” the Minister noted. “However, the CGSPS is about strengthening coordination, improving efficiency, and turning existing gender policies into results-driven reform.”

The CGSPS was developed by the Public Sector Reform Secretariat (PSRS) under the Public Sector Reform for Results Project (PSRRP) with technical support from PwC Ghana. It aims to close gender gaps in service delivery and public administration, enhance coordination among government institutions, and promote inclusivity in leadership and decision-making across public offices.

Missed Opportunities and New Momentum

Reflecting on the challenges of 2024; a politically charged election year, the Minister acknowledged that political distractions had stalled momentum and prevented many Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from fully committing to gender equity initiatives.

“2024 was a missed opportunity in terms of fundraising and mobilising resources for implementation,” she stated. “With the inauguration of this committee, we’re resetting the agenda and placing gender reform back at the center of public sector transformation.”

The newly formed Technical Coordinating Group is tasked with developing implementation guidelines, mobilizing resources, and coordinating strategic activities across government bodies to ensure full execution of the CGSPS.

The Minister of State In Charge of Public Sector Reform, underscored the collaboration between key institutions such as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Public Services Commission, and other relevant agencies.

“It’s not just about policy—this is about strategic implementation. We are relying on partnerships across ministries and civil society to make sure the CGSPS doesn’t just sit on a shelf,” she said.

The CGSPS is expected to catalyze lasting transformation in the gender dynamics of public sector governance, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and measurable outcomes.

In an interview, the Committee Vice Chair, Elisabeth Obeng-Yeboah who is also a Director at the Office of the Head of Civil Service, highlighted the committee’s determination to work rigorously to meet its targets, suggesting an increase in the frequency of meetings to accelerate progress.

“We’ve initially agreed to meet quarterly, but given the broad and ambitious terms of reference, I’ll be proposing monthly meetings, at least in the early stages,” she explained. “We have just over three years, and we are committed to delivering results.”

She also emphasized the committee’s intent to unpack the CGSPS’s components and strategically align its implementation with existing gender legislation, including the long-anticipated Affirmative Action Bill.

“This strategy is not meant to duplicate existing laws,” Obeng-Yeboah added. “It is a structured program to bring life to what the Affirmative Action framework envisages. I was part of the team that developed this document, and we are committed to staying true to the law.”

The new Technical Coordinating Group brings together representatives from key institutions such as:

Public Sector Reform Secretariat

Public Services Commission

Office of the Head of Civil Service

Office of the Head of Local Government Service

Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

Ministry of Finance

Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice

National Development Planning Commission

Civil society and other relevant ministries