Ghana’s quest for gender parity has received a significant boost as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given his seal of approval to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill, 2024. This landmark legislation, passed unanimously by Parliament on July 30, 2024, aims to bridge the gender gap in various sectors, including education, health, employment, and governance.

The bill sets specific targets for gender representation, with quotas of 30% by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030, applying to public offices, governance positions, and leadership roles. This is particularly important, given that women make up 51.2% of the population but hold only 13.8% of parliamentary seats and less than 30% of ministerial positions.

The Affirmative Action Bill addresses systemic gender imbalances, promoting diversity and inclusivity. Key provisions include:

– Gender-responsive budgeting
– Political party reforms
– Education sector reforms

ActionAid Ghana has welcomed the bill’s passage, emphasizing its potential to empower women and girls and address historical discrimination. The organization urges swift implementation and calls on Ghanaians to support the bill’s objectives.

With the President’s assent, Ghana has taken a significant step towards achieving gender equality. The focus now shifts to implementation, requiring collective effort from government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.