Ghana new gender equality law aims to boost women’s representation in leadership roles

After nearly 30 years of advocacy, Ghana has passed the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, marking a significant step toward gender equality. The law, signed by President Nana Akufo-Addo, aims to ensure that at least 30% of decision-making roles in government, security, commerce, and other sectors are held by women, with a goal of reaching 50% by 2030.

The legislation mandates trade unions and private industries to implement gender-balanced representation, offering tax incentives to companies that comply. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin expressed optimism about the law’s potential to create a more just and equitable society.

Women’s rights advocates are celebrating this milestone, though some express concerns about enforcement. The law outlines penalties, including fines and jail terms, for gender-based discrimination, hate speech, and non-compliance by organizations. This new legal framework is expected to encourage more women to pursue leadership roles, especially ahead of the upcoming December elections.

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While there has been little public backlash, advocates are pushing for swift and effective implementation to ensure the law’s impact is felt across all sectors of society.