Parliament has passed the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024, marking a significant step towards addressing gender imbalances in Ghana. The Bill aims to tackle the deep-rooted social, cultural, economic, and political disparities that have historically disadvantaged women due to patriarchal socio-cultural systems and norms. It seeks to promote gender equity in both the public and private sectors.
During the parliamentary session, Speaker Mr. Alban Bagbin announced the passage of the Bill, stating, “Honourable members, the ‘ayes’ have it. The Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024 is now the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, duly read the third time and passed.”
However, the Bill faced opposition from Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Tamale South. He argued that the Bill’s content did not specifically address Ghanaian issues but rather focused on matters relevant to other countries. He voiced his concerns during the 15th MTN Pulse Africa Transform Summit in Kumasi, where he encouraged women to aspire but also to manage their ambitions.
Ghana has a history of legislative efforts to enhance women’s political participation. The Affirmative Action Act of 1960 allowed ten women to represent the country’s regions in the legislature, acknowledging the importance of women’s involvement in democratic dialogue and social cohesion. However, women’s representation in Ghana remains below the United Nations (UN) threshold of 30 per cent. Currently, women hold only 14.5% of seats in Ghana’s Parliament and less than five per cent in the District Assembly System. The underrepresentation is similar in ministerial, ambassadorial, and board appointments.
Despite Ghana’s commitments to various international protocols and conventions pledging 30 to 40 per cent representation of women, these targets have not been met. The persistent underrepresentation of women in key decision-making spaces hampers their effective contributions to the country’s development.
The passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024 represents a renewed effort to bridge this gap and ensure greater gender equity across all sectors in Ghana.
