The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has held a two-day strategic retreat to facilitate the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).
It was also to enhance participants’ understanding of the key provisions of the Act and foster dialogue on stakeholder roles to develop a strategic implementation framework.
This would outline actionable strategies, timelines, and coordination mechanisms for a nationwide rollout.
The event brought together members of the Ministry’s Advisory Board, Parliamentarians, members of the newly constituted Gender Equity Committee, and representatives of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Development partners including United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Food Programme, Civil Society Organisations and academia were present.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister, said the passage of the Act in July 2024 marked a historic turning point in Ghana’s pursuit of gender equity, inclusive governance, and sustainable national development.
The Act aims  to progressively increase women’s representation in decision-making spaces across the public and private sectors, targeting at least 30 per cent by 2026 and 50 per cent by 2034.
Dr Lartey said the Ministry had drafted the Legislative Instrument for the full operationalisation of the Act.
The Minister said infographics and awareness materials had also  been developed to support advocacy and training activities across various sectors.
She called for collective action in the implementation process as success would depend on the coordinated efforts of government, development partners, civil society, academia, the media, and local communities.
Dr Lartey swore-in the Gender Equity Committee and the Ministerial Advisory Board, which she chairs.
The Committee was mandated, among other responsibilities, to advise the Minister on relevant policy issues related to the Act’s implementation.

The Ministerial Advisory Board inaugurated under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327) is expected to facilitate regular engagement between the Ministry and stakeholders, and advise on adjustments in policy direction and strategic planning.
She congratulated the members and expressed confidence in their professional expertise to drive the implementation of the Act.
Copies of the law were distributed to  MDAs, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies,  security services, and other stakeholders.
The Minister commended the development partners and the African Women Leaders Network Ghana Chapter for their immense support in organising the programme.