Amplify advocacy for Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act implementation, media urged
By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN, Accra
CONVENER of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo, has called on the media to play a pivotal role in ensuring the full implementation of Ghana’s new Affirmative Action Act 2024.
She stated that the media holds a powerful position in shaping public discourse and influencing policymakers.
According to her, amplifying conversations around the law will be crucial in achieving the country’s gender equity goals, which include increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Speaking at a workshop organized by Oxfam Ghana for journalists, she noted the critical role of the press in raising public awareness and holding policymakers accountable to the Act’s provisions.
The law, enacted in September 2024, aims to promote gender equity and increase women’s participation in governance, in line with the United Nations’ recommendation of a minimum of 30% representation.
However, she indicated that its impact on parliamentary representation will not be immediately visible, as the law came into effect after political parties had conducted their primaries.
“Currently, women constitute only 14.5% of Ghana’s Parliament, far below the UN’s 30% threshold for gender equality. The numbers are unlikely to change significantly until the next election in 2028,” she said.
Proposal for Special Seats
As a measure to bridge this gap, she suggested the amendment of the Act to create special seats exclusively for women.
“If Parliament’s current membership of 276 were increased to 300, these additional seats could be allocated to women through a competitive process. This would help us achieve greater gender equity,” she proposed, noting that such a move may require constitutional amendments.
Role of the Media
Addressing journalists at the workshop, she urged them to champion the law’s implementation by creating sustained public discourse and sensitizing the population about its importance.
“The media must amplify our voices, educate the public on the law, and advocate for compliance to ensure we reach the 30% representation target by 2026,” she said.
She also appealed to the media to challenge stereotypes that portray women in leadership as overly aggressive or unfit for governance.
“We must stop labeling women based on stereotypes. Everyone, whether introverted or extroverted, deserves the chance to reflect their nature and contribute meaningfully to governance,” she stated.
Call for Budgetary Support
She further stressed the need for adequate funding to support the implementation of the Act.
She indicated that the Gender Equity Committee, tasked with overseeing compliance, would require resources for outreach programs, baseline data collection, and evaluations.
“The government must allocate sufficient budgetary resources to ensure the law is fully implemented. Without this, progress will be slow,” she said.
Importance of the Act
The Affirmative Action Act 2024 is seen as a significant step toward achieving gender equity and fostering sustainable development in Ghana.
Stakeholders believe its successful implementation will enhance diversity in leadership and create a more inclusive society. She reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitment to working with the media and other partners to ensure the law delivers its intended outcomes. “This is not just about women. It is about nation-building,” she concluded.
