Ghana passes law to boost women’s representation in government

On Tuesday, Ghana’s lawmakers passed the Affirmative Action Gender Bill 2024, aiming to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making to at least 30% by 2030.

The legislation, which received unanimous approval, seeks to address socio-cultural, political, economic, and educational imbalances. The bill will take effect once President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law.

Bagbin emphasised the necessity for Ghana to act on the law’s requirements, inspired by the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the state to take steps to ensure gender equality and equity. “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,” he said.

Currently, less than 15% of Ghana’s 275-member parliament are women, falling short of the United Nations’ target of 30% for all countries. The country was ranked 119th in a June report on the global gender gap in political empowerment. This new legislation aims to bridge this gap and promote greater gender balance in governance.

Shamima Muslim, a 44-year-old gender and political activist, hailed the passage of the bill as a crucial first step towards addressing historical and systemic barriers to women’s participation in politics and other sectors. “It is a welcome decision that demands further consistent action to achieve the noble ideal of building a just and equitable country,” she said.

In a country that has recently enacted one of Africa’s most restrictive laws against LGBTQ people, although its implementation is stalled by legal challenges, this new affirmative action law marks a progressive move towards gender equality. The legislation signifies Ghana’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and balanced society, promising a brighter future for women and marginalised groups across the nation.