After decades of advocacy, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act on July 30, 2024.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo signed the bill into law on September 19, marking a monumental achievement in advancing gender equity and increasing women’s representation in decision-making roles across the nation.
The drafting of the Affirmative Action Bill began in 1998, with the initial development of policy guidelines. Momentum grew in 2011, as stakeholders gathered to strategize around advancing women’s rights.
After extensive public input, the bill was first submitted to Parliament in 2016 but did not advance. Persistent advocacy led to a revised bill that finally received approval in 2024.
The women’s movement in Ghana, backed by the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition and spearheaded by ABANTU for Development, played a vital role in this accomplishment.
During a press conference following the President’s assent, key figures from the women’s movement expressed excitement and optimism.
Mrs Joana Adjoa Opare, a Member of the Steering Committee for the AA Bill Coalition, highlighted the significance of this milestone, saying, “When more than 50% of the population are women, it’s essential they have a say in decision-making. We nurture men who become leaders, yet we are often left out of the decisions that shape our nation.”
She emphasized the need for policies that address women’s needs across sectors such as education, public service, and politics.
The Coalition’s Convenor, Sheila Minkah-Premo, Esq., discussed the anticipated impact of the Affirmative Action Act in her address, “Impact of Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 on Addressing Social Inequalities in Ghana.”
She urged the government to take decisive steps to implement the Act, highlighting the importance of strong political support and comprehensive strategies to make this landmark legislation effective.
Key Provisions and Expected Impact of the Gender Equity Act
The new Act mandates progressive gender representation targets across both public and private sectors, beginning with a minimum of 30% female representation by 2026, increasing to 50% by 2030.
It also establishes a Gender Equity Committee to oversee implementation, monitor compliance, and issue annual Gender Equity Compliance Certificates to institutions meeting the Act’s standards.
The Act requires private and public employers to develop gender equity policies, submit compliance reports, and ensure fair treatment of female employees in the workplace.
Political parties are encouraged to enhance gender representation within their leadership structures, while private sector entities are offered incentives such as tax exemptions and government contract preferences for compliance.
Addressing concerns over “reverse discrimination,” Minkah-Premo clarified that the Act is gender-neutral and is intended to conclude once gender parity is achieved across sectors. She also called for constitutional amendments to strengthen provisions on political party compliance, an area modified during the bill’s parliamentary debates.
Action Steps for Full Implementation
For effective enforcement, the coalition called on the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to quickly establish the Gender Equity Committee.
They emphasized the importance of developing Legislative Instruments (LIs) to provide clear, practical guidelines to ensure the enforceability of the Act’s provisions. Minkah-Premo also urged public education campaigns to raise awareness of the Act’s benefits and citizens’ responsibilities.
Minkah-Premo expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the bill’s passage, particularly ABANTU for Development and other advocacy groups.
She appealed to citizens, media, civil society organizations, and private institutions to support the coalition’s slogan, “#ImplementTheAALawNow,” to bring about meaningful change.
About the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition
Formed in 2019, the coalition has been pivotal in advocating for gender equity policies, collaborating with various stakeholders to champion the Gender Equity Act.
Their efforts included media outreach, public education, and intergenerational dialogues to foster greater understanding and support for affirmative action in Ghana.
As the Gender Equity Act takes effect, the coalition reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s rights and ensuring gender parity across Ghana by 2030.
The Executive Director of NETRIGHT, Patricia Blankson Akakpo, highlighted the vital role played by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection in advocating for the passage of the Act, noting that collaboration between the ministry and the women’s movement was crucial to achieving this victory.
She urged women to remain vigilant, ensuring that the law is implemented and that at least 30% of women are represented in appointments.
Madam Hamida Harrison, Convener of the Women’s Manifesto Coalition (WMC), described the passage of the Act as a “huge sigh of relief,” commending the efforts of those who had worked toward this goal.
She noted that while Ghana is joining other African nations such as Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya in adopting affirmative action laws, this law marks a new beginning for the promotion of social justice for both women and men.
Dr. Adolf Awuku Bekoe of the Coalition on Domestic Violence stressed the importance of accountability, highlighting the need for institutions to be held responsible for meeting the representation goals set out in the Act.
He also emphasized the necessity of financial resources and technical support for the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to effectively implement the law.
With the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, Ghana takes a significant step toward gender equality, setting the stage for greater inclusion and social justice in the country’s future.
The nation’s women are hopeful that this law will not only guarantee their representation but also create opportunities for meaningful participation in shaping Ghana’s development.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
