Affirmative Action Bill to empower women in Ghana
By Gloria AZUMAH
Ghana’s Parliament has finally passed the long-awaited Affirmative Action Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that has been under deliberation since 2011. The bill, which now awaits presidential assent, has been a focal point of discussion among civil society organizations (CSOs), gender activists, and various stakeholders who have tirelessly advocated for its passage. Its approval marks a significant step forward in addressing gender disparities in Ghanaian politics and governance.
The global push for equal representation of women in all facets of society, particularly in politics, has been ongoing for years. Despite some progress, a significant gender gap persists in political representation worldwide, and Ghana is no exception. According to UN Women, as of January 2024, only 27 countries had women serving as Heads of State or Government, and just six countries had achieved 50 percent or more women in their lower or single houses of parliament. Ghana’s representation of women in politics, although improving, still falls short of global standards.
In Ghana’s eighth parliament of the Fourth Republic, the country has seen its highest number of female Members of Parliament (MPs) to date, with 40 women out of 275 MPs, representing just 14.5 percent. This figure is still below the global average of 30 percent representation of women in parliament, as recommended by the United Nations. Recent district-level elections in December 2023 further highlighted the gender gap, with women constituting only 4.1 percent of elected assembly members.
The need for the Affirmative Action Bill in Ghana is underscored by the country’s lagging performance in gender parity, particularly in politics. The 2023 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) report ranked Ghana 147th out of 193 countries in terms of female representation in parliament, behind several Sub-Saharan African nations such as Rwanda, Senegal, and Namibia. Additionally, Ghana was ranked 119th out of 146 countries in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report in terms of political empowerment.
Ghana’s traditionally patriarchal society, which has long ascribed leadership roles to men and submissive roles to women, remains a significant barrier to women’s political participation. Women who seek political office often face social stigma and discrimination, as well as financial barriers, given the high cost of political campaigns and the reluctance of political parties and financiers to support female candidates.
The passage of the Affirmative Action Bill is a critical step toward addressing these barriers. It represents a conscious effort by the government to achieve gender parity in politics by tackling cultural, structural, and institutional challenges. The bill draws inspiration from successful examples like Rwanda, where affirmative action is enshrined in the constitution, ensuring at least 30 percent representation of women in decision-making bodies. Rwanda’s model has led to one of the highest levels of female political representation in the world.
While Ghana still has a long way to go, the Affirmative Action Bill has the potential to significantly increase the representation of women in politics, fostering a more inclusive and diverse political landscape. This milestone in governance is a testament to the persistent efforts of advocates and the growing recognition that women’s participation in decision-making processes is essential for sustainable development and the effective governance of the nation.
Gloria Azumah is the Acting Team Lead, Communication at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, University of Ghana.
Email: (azumahgloria1@gmail.com)
