Ghana’s lawmakers approved legislation on Tuesday aimed at providing more opportunities for women at the national level, according to the speaker of parliament. The new law sets a target to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making to at least 30% by 2030.
The Affirmative Action Gender Bill 2024 was unanimously passed by members of parliament, concluding a process that started in 1998.
The bill aims to create an equitable society and mandates efforts to address socio-cultural, political, economic, and educational disparities in both the private and public sectors.
The legislation will take effect upon the signature of President Nana Akufo-Addo, who endorsed the measure in Parliament.
According to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, the West African nation must now take action to enforce the law’s provisions.
This legislation is inspired by the 1992 Constitution, which needs the state to take criteria to ensure gender equality and equity.
Bagbin emphasized the need for further action to create a free and just society, stating, “We need to do more to liberate more of our women.”
In February, the gold, cocoa, and oil producer enacted one of Africa’s most restrictive laws against LGBTQ individuals, though its enactment has been hindered due to two persistent legal challenges.
Women currently make up less than 15% of Ghana’s 275-member parliament, which is below the 30% target set by the United Nations for all nations.
In a June report on the global gender gap in political empowerment, the country was ranked 119th.
Shamima Muslim, 44, a gender and political activist, stated that the passage of the law illustrates the initial phases toward “addressing historical and systemic obstacles to participation for women and other marginalized groups.”
She remarked, “It is a positive step that requires ongoing, consistent efforts to realize the noble goal of building a just and equitable country.”