Ghana has taken a significant step towards promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations with the passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act (Act 1121) July 2024.

The law aims to ensure that women are progressively represented in key decision-making positions across both public and private sectors.

The law sets targets for women's representation in decision-making spaces, aiming for at least 30% representation by 2026 and 50% by 2034.

A Gender Equity Committee has been constituted to guide and oversee the implementation of the law's key provisions.

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is mandated to promote gender equality through mainstreaming gender considerations at all levels.

The ministry provides social protection interventions for vulnerable populations and contributes to national development.

Speaking at the launching of the act was the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, who asserted that the implementation of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act was expected to contribute significantly to Ghana's development by promoting inclusive governance and gender equity.

The law received presidential assent on September 11, 2024, and came into force on the same day.

Also at the function was the UN Resident Coordinator, Zia Choudry, who emphasised the importance of collective action in implementing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act.

He highlighted that leadership with purpose demanded commitment, collaboration, and courage, and that upholding the values of inclusion, justice, and equity was crucial in governance and social practice.

Choudry acknowledged that changing deeply ingrained injustices would not be easy, but emphasised that collective efforts could lead to meaningful change.

He reiterated the UN family's commitment to supporting the government and people of Ghana in this historic journey.

Choudry requested that the minister considered meeting again in a year to review the act's implementation progress, highlighting the importance of tracking reality on the ground.

Choudry's remarks underscored the significance of the Affirmative Action Act and the need for sustained efforts to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in Ghana.