Stakeholders have called for the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), describing it as a crucial step toward increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions across Ghana.
The call was made during a dialogue on the implementation of the law held in Kadjebi in the Oti Region. The event was organised by the Network of Communities in Development (NOCID) in partnership with ActionAid Ghana to raise awareness of the Act and encourage greater participation of women in governance.
Participants observed that the continued underrepresentation of women in elective and leadership positions remains a major obstacle to inclusive national development and urged deliberate efforts to reverse the trend.
Adontenhene of the Asato Traditional Area, Nana Kwasi Kram II, noted that although women make up about 51 per cent of Ghana’s population, they continue to occupy relatively few political and decision-making positions.
He acknowledged that certain cultural and traditional practices have historically limited women’s participation in leadership and called on traditional authorities, political parties, civil society organisations and families to support women aspiring to public office.
According to him, sustainable national development cannot be achieved if more than half of the country’s population remains underrepresented in governance.
NOCID Coordinator, Agnes Obour, described the passage of the Affirmative Action Act as a landmark achievement in Ghana’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She said the dialogue sought to deepen public understanding of the law while encouraging women to build confidence, acquire leadership skills and take advantage of opportunities created under the legislation to seek elective and appointive positions.
Presenting a paper on the objectives of the law, the Deputy District Coordinating Director of the Kadjebi District Assembly, Anthony Ankutse, explained that the Act provides a framework for addressing historical gender disparities and achieving progressive gender balance in leadership across both the public and private sectors.
He urged political parties to create enabling environments that encourage more women to contest internal elections and parliamentary seats, noting that greater female representation would strengthen governance through diverse perspectives and improved policy outcomes.
Participants further appealed to government institutions, development partners and traditional leaders to intensify advocacy and capacity-building initiatives aimed at preparing more women for leadership roles.
They expressed confidence that sustained implementation of the Affirmative Action Act would help close the gender gap and promote more inclusive governance and national development.
