Kassena-Nankana: The Kaana Manga Women Association, a prominent women's group in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region, has urged the government to urgently institutionalise and implement the Affirmative Action Law. The group is pressing for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to expedite the process, ensuring that the law and its policies are seamlessly integrated into both state and non-state agencies.
According to Ghana News Agency, the women's group believes that such measures are vital for the effective impact of the Affirmative Action Law in bridging the gender gap and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on inclusiveness. Mrs. Florence Bobi, Chairperson of the group, emphasized this point during the International Women's Day event in Navrongo, themed "Accelerate Action for Gender Equality."
The event was organized by Our Lady of Mercy Community Services (OLAM), a gender-focused non-governmental organization, with backing from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and the German Embassy in Ghana. Mrs. Bobi commended the government for passing the Affirmative Action Bill into law but highlighted the need for further efforts to empower women. She called for a policy directive ensuring equal representation of women and men in managerial positions across various sectors.
Mrs. Anastasia A Musah, another member of the group and an Assemblywoman, shared that the association has been actively engaged in sensitization programs through radio and outreach activities. These initiatives aim to reform cultural practices that hinder the development of women and children. She identified parental neglect, especially by men, as a significant issue contributing to challenges like teenage pregnancies in the region.
Emmanuel Atiiga, Executive Director of OLAM, praised the Kaana Manga Women Association for their advocacy work, which he noted played a role in the passage of the affirmative action bill. He encouraged the group to continue their efforts in motivating and equipping more women to take on roles that contribute to nation-building and not shy away from public service.
