The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for urgent and strategic implementation of Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act to accelerate gender equality.
She made this appeal while delivering the keynote address at Amnesty International Ghana’s Intergenerational Dialogue on the Implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, held in Accra on 19th March 2025.
The event, which was organized in commemoration of International Women’s Day, brought together stakeholders from civil society organizations, government institutions, activists, and students to deliberate on strategies for enforcing the newly passed Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey emphasized that the law is not just a policy document but a promise to young girls and women striving for leadership roles in all sectors.
She expressed mixed feelings regarding global progress on gender equality, referencing a UN Women report that estimates it could take over 100 years to close the gender gap at the current pace.
However, she expressed hope that under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, Ghana, with renewed commitment, could fast-track the process.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to gender equity, she lauded President John Dramani Mahama for his efforts, leading to the historic election of Ghana’s first female Vice President, Her Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang.
She also outlined plans to implement the Affirmative Action Law, which include:
Passing a Legislative Instrument to operationalize the Act.
Supporting institutions such as Parliament, the Judiciary, security agencies, political parties, and the private sector in achieving gender parity.
Establishing and resourcing a Gender Equity Committee to ensure compliance with the law.
Mandating a minimum 30% quota for women in all political appointments.
The Minister announced that preparations for constituting the Gender Equity Committee were at an advanced stage and that its members would be announced soon.
She reiterated that institutional commitments, strict enforcement, and active youth involvement were essential to ensuring that the law translates into tangible change.
“Institutional commitments must be strengthened, enforcement mechanisms must be put in place, and the next generation must be empowered to hold institutions accountable,” she stressed.
The Minister concluded her speech by urging all stakeholders to shift from policy discussions to action, ensuring that the Affirmative Action Act does not remain a mere document but becomes a lived reality in workplaces, institutions, and national governance.
