Affirmative Action Act: Collective action, collective progress

Ghana has achieved a significant milestone in promoting gender equality with the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.

The Act was passed by Parliament on July 30, 2024, and received Presidential assent on September 11, 2024.

The Act has a long history. The Cabinet passed guidelines for the law in 1998, but it took about 26 years for the bill to be passed into law.

This landmark legislation aims to address historical gender imbalances and increase women's participation in decision-making roles.

Key provisions include at least 30 per cent female representation in decision-making roles by 2026, as well as progressing to 50 per cent female representation by 2030.

Fundamentally, the Act seeks to bridge the gender gap.

In addition to promoting women's participation in decision-making roles, protecting against discrimination, and encouraging gender-responsive budgeting, the Act paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Its implementation will be crucial in shaping the country’s future and ensuring that women have equal opportunities to contribute to the country's development.

Specifically, the law ensures progressive gender balance in public offices, governance, and decision-making positions.

It requires that employers take measures to ensure progressive gender equity among employees.

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is tasked with implementing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, with oversight from the Affirmative Action Monitoring Committee.

On July 31, 2025, the ministry launched the Act, marking a significant step towards inclusive governance and resetting the country’s development agenda.

It underscores the country's commitment to gender equality, building on its history of affirmative action policies and its signatory status to international human rights agreements, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

At the launch of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang emphasised the need for collective responsibility in implementing the Act.

She stressed that its success could not rely solely on the government, but required a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including local government assemblies and the private sector.

The Vice-President highlighted that achieving the Act's goals, as well as the broader Reset Ghana agenda and the 24-hour Economy, depended on unity and cooperation across sectors and communities.

The Daily Graphic concurs with the Vice-President's call for collective responsibility in implementing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act.

We believe that a collaborative effort is essential to unlock the full potential of women, a historically marginalised group in decision-making and policy development. 

The Act is not just a legal instrument, but a testament to years of advocacy, resilience and leadership.

It reflects the tireless efforts of civil society, bipartisan collaboration, and the courage of women who have fought for visibility and recognition across generations.

We commend the government's efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, raise public awareness, and establish effective monitoring and accountability systems for the full implementation of the Act.

The establishment of the Gender Equity Committee by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is a step in the right direction.

The Daily Graphic believes that collective responsibility requires a multifaceted approach, engaging various stakeholders and sectors.

We urge the private sector to align its practices with the Act, implementing inclusive hiring, promotion, and procurement policies to contribute to a more equitable economy. 

Educational institutions can also promote diversity and inclusion through affirmative action policies in admissions, scholarships, and faculty recruitment.

Within local communities, we can play a vital role in supporting marginalised populations through advocacy, outreach, and support services, promoting collective responsibility.

To effectively implement the Act, we recommend the development and enforcement of policies that mandate affirmative action in key sectors, ensuring accountability and compliance.

Through collective responsibility, Ghana can harness the potential of all its citizens, particularly women, to drive development and progress.

By working together, stakeholders can create a society where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute and thrive.

The successful implementation of the Act requires a sustained commitment to inclusivity, accountability, and social responsibility.

With collective effort, Ghana can build a brighter future for all its citizens.