Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act sees victory in judiciary however faces demanding situations in parliamentary illustration – Life Pulse Daily

Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act Sees Victory in Judiciary but Faces Challenges in Parliamentary Representation

Introduction

Ghana has taken a bold step toward gender equity with the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), aiming to boost women’s representation across public life and the IT sector. While the judiciary has witnessed remarkable progress, parliamentary representation remains a stubborn challenge. This article explores the successes, setbacks, and ongoing efforts to achieve true gender parity in Ghana’s governance structures.

Key Points

– The Affirmative Action Act sets clear targets: 30% female representation by 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2034.
– The judiciary has achieved near gender parity, with women holding 49.7% of judicial positions.
– Women currently occupy only 14.9% of parliamentary seats, falling well below the Act’s goals.
– Stakeholders are calling for stronger legal frameworks and constitutional reforms to enforce the Act.
– Public education and media engagement are crucial for the Act’s success.

Background

In July 2024, Ghana’s Parliament passed the landmark Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121). The law aims to dismantle systemic barriers and promote women’s participation in decision-making roles across both public institutions and the IT sector. The Act sets ambitious but achievable targets: 30% female representation by 2026, 35% by 2028, and ultimately 50% by 2034.

The judiciary has been a notable success story. Women now hold 49.7% of all judicial positions, with four female Supreme Court judges, 13 female Court of Appeal judges, 55 female High Court judges, 54 female Circuit Court judges, 68 female District Court judges, and 26 other district judges—a total of 220 women serving across the judicial system.

Analysis

Despite these achievements, Ghana’s Parliament tells a different story. Women currently hold just 41 of the 276 parliamentary seats, representing only 14.9% of the legislature. This is significantly below the Act’s statutory targets and highlights the persistent gender gap in political representation.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has publicly decried this underrepresentation and called for reforms to strengthen women’s presence in the legislature. However, some Members of Parliament and stakeholders argue that without stronger legal frameworks, the Act’s goals may remain aspirational rather than enforceable.

Civil society groups, including Abantu for Development and Action Aid Ghana, have amplified calls for constitutional amendments to support the Act. Sheila Minkah-Premo Esq., convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, has stressed the need for gender-inclusive provisions in the Constitution—specifically in Articles 93 and 94, which govern parliamentary qualifications.

Practical Advice

– **For Policymakers**: Strengthen legal and constitutional frameworks to ensure the Act’s enforceability and compliance.
– **For Civil Society**: Continue advocacy and public education to raise awareness about the importance of gender equity in governance.
– **For Media**: Equip journalists with accurate knowledge of the Act to ensure informed and effective reporting.
– **For Citizens**: Engage in public discourse and support initiatives that promote women’s participation in politics and decision-making.

FAQ

**Q: What is the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024?**
A: It is a Ghanaian law passed in July 2024 to increase women’s representation and participation in public life and the IT sector, with specific targets for gender parity by 2034.

**Q: How successful has the Act been in the judiciary?**
A: The judiciary has achieved near gender parity, with women holding 49.7% of judicial positions as of now.

**Q: Why is parliamentary representation still low?**
A: Despite the Act, women hold only 14.9% of parliamentary seats, indicating persistent systemic barriers and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.

**Q: What reforms are being proposed?**
A: Stakeholders are calling for constitutional amendments—particularly to Articles 93 and 94—to include gender-inclusive provisions for parliamentary qualifications.

**Q: How can the public support the Act’s goals?**
A: By engaging in public education, supporting women candidates, and advocating for legal and policy reforms that promote gender equity.

Conclusion

Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equity, with the judiciary setting a powerful example of what is possible. However, the persistent underrepresentation of women in Parliament underscores the need for continued advocacy, stronger legal frameworks, and widespread public education. Only through collective effort can Ghana fully realize the promise of the Act and achieve true gender parity in all spheres of public life.

Sources

– Life Pulse Daily
– Ghana Parliament Official Records
– Affirmative Action Law Coalition Statements
– Abantu for Development and Action Aid Ghana Workshop Reports