Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has urged for the swift implementation of the country’s Affirmative Action Act to accelerate gender equality. Speaking at Amnesty International Ghana’s Intergenerational Dialogue on the Implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, the Minister emphasized that the law is a promise to young girls and women striving for leadership roles in all sectors.
Hon. Dr. Lartey expressed mixed feelings about global progress on gender equality, citing a UN Women report that estimates it could take over 100 years to close the gender gap at the current pace. However, she expressed hope that Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, could fast-track the process.
The Minister outlined plans to implement the Affirmative Action Law, including:
- Passing a Legislative Instrument: to operationalize the Act
- Supporting Institutions: to achieve gender parity in Parliament, the Judiciary, security agencies, political parties, and the private sector
- Establishing a Gender Equity Committee: to ensure compliance with the law
- Mandating a Minimum 30% Quota: for women in all political appointments
Preparations for constituting the Gender Equity Committee are underway, with members expected to be announced soon. The Minister stressed the importance of institutional commitments, strict enforcement, and active youth involvement in ensuring the law translates into tangible change.
The event, held in commemoration of International Women’s Day, brought together stakeholders from civil society organizations, government institutions, activists, and students to deliberate on strategies for enforcing the newly passed Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
