Photo of Ghana's Parliament
In a historic move, Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Affirmative Action, Gender Equity Bill 2024, aiming to address long-standing gender imbalances across the nation. The bill, which seeks to tackle social, cultural, economic, and political disparities stemming from historical discrimination against women and entrenched patriarchal norms, has now become the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act.
During the parliamentary session on Tuesday, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin declared, “Honourable members, the ‘ayes’ have it. The Affirmative Action Gender Equality Bill 2024, now the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, is duly read the third time and passed.”
The new act is designed to promote gender equity in both the public and private sectors, ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in all spheres of life. It is seen as a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
However, the bill has not been without its critics. Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the content of the bill. Speaking at the 15th MTN Pulse Africa Transform Summit in Kumasi, Iddrisu argued that the bill fails to address issues specifically relevant to Ghana, focusing instead on problems faced by other countries.
“I encourage women to aspire, but also to manage their aspirations,” Iddrisu stated, emphasizing his belief that the bill should be more tailored to the unique cultural and social context of Ghana.
Despite the controversy, supporters of the bill believe it will pave the way for significant progress in gender equality, helping to dismantle the systemic barriers that have long hindered women’s advancement in Ghana.
The passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s legislative history, with the potential to transform the landscape of gender relations in the country. As the nation moves forward, the implementation of this act will be closely watched by both advocates and critics alike.
The Hawk will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the impact and progress of this landmark legislation.
About The Author
