The Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, has called on Parliament to intensify efforts aimed at advancing gender equity and protecting the rights of women and girls in Ghana.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament ahead of International Women’s Day, marked globally on March 8, the legislator emphasised the need for stronger legislative and policy action to address persistent barriers affecting women.
According to her, this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” highlights the urgency of dismantling structural obstacles such as discriminatory laws, weak legal protections and harmful cultural practices that continue to undermine the rights of women.
She noted that while Ghana had made progress in promoting gender equality, more work remained to be done to ensure that women and girls enjoyed equal opportunities and protection under the law.
Rev. Ntoso cited key legislative steps taken by the country, including the Domestic Violence Act and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, as important milestones in the fight against gender inequality. She, however, urged Parliament to push further reforms, allocate adequate funding to programmes addressing gender-based violence and ensure strict accountability in the enforcement of laws that protect women.
“Together we can forge a Ghana where every woman and girl enjoys her rights, has access to justice, and contributes fully to our nation’s progress,” she said.
The MP also took the opportunity to recognise the contributions of Ghanaian women in leadership and public service, particularly female Members of Parliament, for their dedication and resilience in shaping national development.
She further celebrated the achievement of Clara Kowlaga Beeri Kasser-Tee, the first Ghanaian woman to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, describing her accomplishment as a significant milestone in the pursuit of rights and justice for women.
United Nations describes International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while encouraging collective action to accelerate gender equality worldwide.
