The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has begun laying the groundwork for the nationwide implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), by convening a high-level strategic retreat aimed at aligning national efforts and stakeholder roles.
Held over two days, the retreat brought together a cross-section of key actors—including parliamentarians, members of the Ministry’s Advisory Board, the newly sworn-in Gender Equity Committee, officials from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as representatives from development partners and civil society organisations. The objective was to chart a clear path for translating the new gender equity law into tangible outcomes.
Speaking at the retreat, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, underscored the historic significance of the Act’s passage in July 2024, describing it as a bold milestone in Ghana’s push for inclusive governance and gender-balanced national development.
“The Affirmative Action Act sets clear targets—30% women’s representation in decision-making roles by 2026 and 50% by 2034. These are not aspirational figures; they are binding national commitments,” the Minister stated.
To facilitate full implementation, Dr Lartey revealed that a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) to operationalise the Act has already been drafted. Additionally, the Ministry has developed infographics and other public education materials to drive nationwide advocacy, training, and awareness campaigns across sectors and regions.
In a bid to institutionalise coordination, Dr Lartey officially inaugurated both the Gender Equity Committee and the Ministry’s Advisory Board. The Gender Equity Committee is tasked with providing policy advice to the Minister and guiding the rollout process, while the Advisory Board—established under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act (PNDCL 327)—will serve as a critical interface between the Ministry and key stakeholders to inform policy shifts and strategic planning.
Dr Lartey appealed for collective ownership of the implementation process. “Real progress requires a shared commitment—from government agencies to development partners, academia, the media, and local communities,” she said. “The success of this law hinges on coordinated, sustained effort.”
Copies of the Act were distributed to MDAs, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), security services, and other relevant bodies to ensure widespread awareness and compliance.
The retreat was supported by key development partners including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the African Women Leaders Network Ghana Chapter—all of whom were commended by the Minister for their continued backing.
As Ghana transitions from policy formulation to implementation, the Affirmative Action Act is being positioned not only as a legislative tool but as a catalyst for transformative leadership and gender parity in both the public and private spheres.
