President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially signed into law the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024, which was passed by Parliament in July. The new legislation is designed to tackle gender imbalances in social, cultural, economic, and political spheres, arising from historical discrimination against women and persistent patriarchal norms in the country.
The bill aims to ensure gender equity across both public and private sectors. Dakoa Newman, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, announced the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, stating, “Update: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo @NAkufoAddo has assented to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024. Next Step: Implementation.”
Background
Originally introduced in Parliament in 2016, the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill seeks to enhance women’s participation in governance and decision-making in Ghana. It aims to promote diversity by ensuring equal opportunities for women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups in leadership positions at all levels.
The bill aligns 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. It sets specific gender representation targets: 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030. These targets will apply to appointments in public offices, governance, and leadership roles.
Although women make up 51.2% of Ghana’s population, they currently hold only 13.8% of parliamentary seats and less than 30% of key leadership positions. In local elections, only 4.1% of assembly members are women. The bill also introduces gender-responsive budgeting across all government sectors.
Political parties will be required to meet progressive gender equality targets in nominations and leadership, with the Electoral Commission overseeing compliance.
Additionally, the bill mandates the Ministry of Education to ensure gender balance in education, providing equal access for girls and removing barriers to their success.
The passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill marks a significant step toward gender equality in Ghana, covering key areas such as education, health, and employment, and promoting a more inclusive society.