Gender Minister commits to full implementation of Affirmative Action Act

The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act by addressing institutional and financial barriers that hinder women's political participation.

Speaking at the 2025 Africa Women Political Leadership Summit in Accra, Dr. Lartey emphasized the need to remove financial constraints that prevent women from contesting political positions. 

The summit, organized by the Africa Governance Centre in collaboration with the Gender Ministry, aimed to foster policy discussions, inspire leadership, and promote gender-inclusive governance across the continent.

The Affirmative Action Act, passed in 2024 after nearly two decades of advocacy, seeks to promote gender equality in political, economic, social, educational, and cultural spheres. However, almost a year after its enactment, its implementation remains limited.

Dr. Lartey acknowledged the law's passage as a milestone but stressed that real impact would only be achieved through full execution. Citing global commitments such as the 1995 Beijing Declaration, she pointed out that many well-intended policies have failed due to a lack of sustained political will.

She referenced a 2022 African Development Bank report that highlighted slow progress in women's leadership across Africa, noting that only about 25% of parliamentary seats on the continent are occupied by women. To bridge this gap, she assured that the government would provide institutional backing and financial support to ensure the Act translates into tangible results.

The Minister also pledged to introduce mentorship programs and strengthen partnerships with civil society organizations, educational institutions, and international bodies to drive change. She called for the dismantling of structural inequalities, cultural barriers, and gender biases that limit women's advancement.

Madam Edite Ten Jua, Executive Secretary of the African Political Parties Initiative, echoed the call for greater inclusion in politics. She underscored that true democracy requires full female participation, as inclusive governance fosters more representative and effective policies.

During a panel discussion on "Affirmative Action in Africa: Unpacking its Façade and Potential for Women in Politics," Mrs. Beatrice Annangfio, a Presidential Staffer, highlighted the role of social and cultural norms in restricting women's opportunities. She urged women to proactively position themselves for leadership roles.

Ms. Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, Coordinator of the Affirmative Action Coalition of Ghana, encouraged political parties to integrate the Affirmative Action Act into their structures and adopt measures to empower female members. She further advocated for constitutional amendments to introduce a gender quota system.

As Ghana moves toward greater gender equity, stakeholders at the summit emphasized the need for continued advocacy and policy reforms to ensure women's voices are not only heard but also influential in shaping national and regional governance.