Ghana’s Parliament has passed a groundbreaking law aimed at boosting women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes across the country.
The Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act 2024, approved on Tuesday, sets a target of at least 30% representation for women in governance by 2030.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announced the bill’s passage, stating: “Honourable members, the ‘ayes’ have it. The Affirmative Action Gender Equality Bill 2024, now the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, duly read the third time and passed.”
The new law seeks to address longstanding gender imbalances in social, cultural, economic, and political spheres, stemming from historical discrimination and patriarchal norms.
Gender Minister Darkoa Newman moved the motion for the bill’s final reading. It will take effect once President Nana Akufo-Addo, who supported the measure, signs it into law.
However, not all MPs were satisfied with the bill. Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South, argued that it didn’t sufficiently address issues specific to Ghana.
Speaking at a summit in Kumasi, Mr Iddrisu said: “I encouraged women to aspire but also to manage their aspirations.”
The Act outlines objectives including the attainment of gender equity across various sectors and the implementation of policies to redress gender imbalances.
Speaker Bagbin urged MPs to commit to the new Act, saying: “We need to do more to be able to create this free and just society we are looking for to liberate more of our women to be able to support us to be able to develop mother Ghana.”
Ghana currently ranks 119th globally on the gender gap for political empowerment. This new legislation marks a significant step towards addressing this disparity and promoting greater gender equality in the West African nation.
