Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has announced his administration's commitment to implement the Affirmative Action Act of 2024 (Act 1121) to promote gender equity across all sectors of national life. Speaking at his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) as a non-conservative President before Parliament, President Mahama emphasized the active collaboration between the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and relevant stakeholders to operationalize the Act, which includes reaching a 30 percent target quota for women in political appointments.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama reported that women currently constitute 23.21 percent of all appointments, with ongoing efforts to achieve the target established by Act 1121. He emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders, including development partners and civil society organizations, to prioritize gender equality, equity, and social justice.
The President outlined initiatives such as enacting comprehensive laws and policies aimed at dismantling harmful social norms, improving access to essential resources and opportunities for young women, and reducing societal vulnerability. He also acknowledged the support of the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in passing the Affirmative Action Act, 2024 (Act 1121) during the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
President Mahama expressed concern over the gender imbalance at the local government level, noting that few women apply for positions such as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). He voiced hope that the National Constitution Review Conference would facilitate pathways for the election of District Chief Executives (DCEs) and highlighted the Gender Ministry's role in encouraging and supporting more women to pursue these roles.
