Implementing Ghana's Affirmative Action Act: Challenges, future directions

The highly debated Affirmative Action Act remains a central topic in discussions regarding the government's dedication to increasing women's involvement in Ghana's governance. 

Originally introduced during the first Parliament of Ghana's Fourth Republic, the Bill faced extensive examination over five democratically elected administrations and has now been approved by the eighth Parliament.

The recent enactment of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121) signifies a crucial advancement in the nation's efforts to foster gender equality and empower women across multiple sectors.

The Act establishes Progressive Gender Representation Targets, which aim for a gradual increase in female representation in public offices, governance, and leadership roles:

That is from 30 per cent by 2026 to 35 per cent by 2028 and then 50 per cent by 2030.

The passage of the Affirmative Action Act represents a critical step towards achieving gender equality in Ghana.

However, its success will depend on robust implementation strategies, adequate funding and active participation from both governmental and civil society actors.

The government will need to develop a detailed implementation plan outlining how the Act will be enforced, including timelines, responsible agencies and necessary resources.

Awareness campaigns

There may be efforts to educate the public on the provisions of the Act and its objectives, promoting understanding and support.

Monitoring and evaluation

Establishing mechanisms to monitor the impact of the Act will be crucial. This may involve setting benchmarks and collecting data on gender representation in various sectors.

Capacity building

Training programmes may be necessary for stakeholders, including government officials, to ensure effective application of the bill's provisions.

Collaboration with civil society

Engaging NGOs and other civil society organisations will be important for advocacy, oversight and community engagement.

Review and amendments

As the Act is implemented, periodic reviews may be needed to assess its effectiveness and make necessary amendments based on feedback and outcomes.

Addressing challenges

Identifying and addressing potential challenges, such as resistance from certain sectors or insufficient resources, will be essential for the bill's success.

Despite the positive reception of the Act, concerns about its enforcement persist.

Historically, Ghana has faced challenges with implementing laws effectively due to underfunding and lack of resources within relevant ministries.

Advocates emphasise the need for sustained vigilance and pressure on government agencies to ensure compliance with the law's mandates.

As a nation, we still have a long way to go. While the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act is a positive step, it is not the conclusion of our struggle for gender equality. Instead, it should amplify ongoing complementary efforts aimed at further empowering women and achieving enduring gender equality in the country.

These initiatives must tackle systemic barriers, strengthen support systems, and encourage cultural shifts that promote women's empowerment.

By implementing these initiatives alongside the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, Ghana can cultivate a more inclusive environment that not only advances gender equality but also empowers women across all sectors of society.

Such efforts will play a crucial role in addressing the historical disparities faced by women in Ghana and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion.