By Jones Anlimah
The She Leads Ghana Consortium has called on His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to prioritize the implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 1121, 2024. The law mandates that at least 30% of decision-making roles in Ghana be held by women, with the ultimate goal of achieving 50% representation by 2034.
The Act, aligned with international frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Charter for Democracy, Elections, and Governance, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, seeks to enhance women’s participation in public and political life. According to the Consortium, gender inclusivity is critical to achieving sustainable development by 2030.
The She Leads program, running from 2021 to 2025, aims to increase the sustained influence of girls and young women in decision-making and transform negative gender norms in formal and informal institutions.
In a statement signed by Lydia Agyakwa, Network Coordinator of She Leads Ghana, the organization urged the President to ensure gender parity in all high-level appointments, including: Ministerial Positions, The Council of State, Independent Constitutional Bodies, Public Service and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
The Consortium also called on the Affirmative Action Law Coalition and other stakeholders to intensify advocacy, public education, and monitoring to ensure the effective implementation of the law. They stressed that meeting the 30% quota by 2026 would be a significant step toward advancing gender equity in decision-making processes.
She Leads Ghana is part of a global initiative spearheaded by Plan International Netherlands, Defence for Children – ECPAT Netherlands, African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), and Terre des Hommes Netherlands, with Equal Measures 2030 as a technical partner.
In Ghana, the Consortium includes Plan International Ghana, Defence for Children International Ghana, Women Aspire Network, and Hope for Future Generations. Other implementing partners include Rights and Responsibilities Initiatives Ghana, Songtaba, Erudite Women Empowerment Network, and Community Aid for Rural Development.
The call from She Leads Ghana serves as a rallying point for stakeholders to ensure that the Affirmative Action Law translates into tangible progress for women in leadership roles across Ghana.
