CSOs call on Government to speed up implementation of Affirmative Action Law to achieve 30% women representation
As Ghana marks International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action,” Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are renewing their calls for the government to implement the gender quotas outlined in the Affirmative Action Act.
Passed eight months ago, the law mandates a gradual increase in women’s representation in decision-making roles across all sectors.
In an interview, Becky Enyonam Ahadzi of the Affirmative Action Coalition stressed the urgency of taking action, noting that the Gender Equity Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the law’s implementation, along with the Legislative Instrument (LI) for both public and private institutions, is still pending.
“Women are waiting for the LI to allow institutions to fully comply with the affirmative action law,” she said.
The Affirmative Action Act sets clear targets for female representation: a 30% quota from 2024 to 2026, rising to 35% between 2027 and 2028, and 40% by 2029. However, current figures for women’s appointments under the current administration stand at 23.21%, but these numbers are aggregated and not broken down by individual institutions, making it challenging to assess actual representation.
Becky Enyonam called on President John Mahama to lead by example in adhering to the quotas, emphasizing that his leadership would inspire other heads of institutions and officials to follow suit. “The president sets the tone, and if he follows these quotas, it will be easier for district assemblies and private institutions to do the same,” she said.
Mathilda Ayineboma Ayamga, Programme Advisor at NORSAAC, a leading women’s rights organization, echoed this call. She underscored NORSAAC’s ongoing efforts to empower women to take on leadership roles and highlighted how the Affirmative Action Act could further support these efforts. “We’ve been empowering women to assume leadership, and we see the affirmative action law as a key tool to increase female representation,” she explained.
To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, NORSAAC has organized a walk, community-level engagements, and mentorship programs to inspire women and girls to pursue leadership roles.
Becky Enyonam also noted that NORSAAC plans to partner with the media to raise awareness about the importance of gender equity and educate the public on the details of the Affirmative Action Law.
With the 2024-2026 target of 30% female representation fast approaching, the need for a swift and effective rollout of the law remains crucial in achieving gender parity in Ghana’s leadership structures.
