As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD), ActionAid Ghana is calling on the government to uphold its commitment to gender equality by ensuring the strict implementation of the Affirmative Action Law.
The organisation underscored the urgent need to increase women’s participation in governance, aligning with Ghana’s legal and international obligations to empower women in leadership roles.
In a statement released to commemorate this year’s IWD, the human rights and gender advocacy organisation highlighted the lack of progress in achieving the mandated 40 percent female representation in ministerial, parliamentary, and leadership positions.
ActionAid Ghana urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to enforce policies that create equal opportunities for women in decision-making.
The organisation also raised concern over President John Dramani Mahama’s failure to meet the legal requirement for female representation in his recent government appointments.
The Affirmative Action Law, passed in 2024, aims for a 50 percent female representation target by 2030, with an intermediate goal of at least 30 percent representation by 2026.
However, ActionAid Ghana pointed out that recent appointments by the Mahama administration reflect a significant gap between policy and practice.
“The Affirmative Action Law enacted in 2024 aims for 50% female representation by 2030, requiring at least 30% of women in political and public decision-making by 2026. Yet, President Mahama’s recent appointments show a stark disconnect between policy and practice.
“Of 42 ministerial appointees, only 7 (16.7%) are women; among 13 deputy ministers, only 2 (15.4%) are women. Additionally, the Ghana Statistical Service (2023) reports that only 26 out of 86 leadership positions are held by women. While praising women at vetting sessions is welcomed, it is crucial to ensure they have equal access to power and leadership. Ghana must move beyond political rhetoric to implement genuine systemic change.”
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is a global movement dedicated to recognising women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality.
The day originated in the early 20th century as part of the labour rights movement and has since evolved into a major platform for driving policy change, awareness, and activism.
Click here to read the full statement.
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