Parliament Passes Affirmative Action Bill

The Parliament of Ghana has officially passed the Affirmative Action Bill into law making it a significant milestone that has been on the waiting list for advocates of gender and social equity.

The historic vote and subsequent passage into law, which took place yesterday, marks an important stride towards addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusivity in various sectors of Ghanaian society.

Minister For Gender, Children, And Social Protection – Hon. Dakoa Newman, moving the motion for the passage noted “today is a day of triumph and hope, With the passing of the Affirmative Action Bill, we are taking a decisive step towards a more inclusive Ghana. This law represents our commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of gender or background, has a fair opportunity to contribute to the progress of our nation.”

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin also in his commentary before the passage indicated, “Don’t just celebrate and don’t really put in place the vision that we have created for the country. But more importantly, I hope that members will commit themselves to the constitutional reforms. We need to do more there to be able to create this free and just society we are looking for to liberate more of our women to be able to support us to be able to develop mother Ghana,”

The passage of the Bill was the result of years of advocacy by various women’s groups, civil society organizations, and individuals who have tirelessly campaigned for greater gender parity. The Affirmative Action Bill seeks to implement measures such as quotas for women in decision-making positions, equal opportunities in employment, and enhanced support for marginalized communities.

The bill’s passage has been described as a historic milestone in Ghana’s legislative history, echoing the nation’s ongoing commitment to advancing human rights and social justice. The bill is expected to lead to more balanced gender representation in various public and private sectors, contributing to a more equitable distribution of opportunities and resources.