The National Gender Commissioner of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Mercy Yaa Boatemaa Appiah, has urged that Ghana’s new Affirmative Action Act (Gender Equity law) be treated as a transformative mandate rather than a symbolic gesture.

She made the statement at the Affirmative Action Conference on November 4, 2024. The conference, organised at the Accra International Conference Centre by the Gender Commissioner in partnership with the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), gathered stakeholders for a discourse on the legislation.

In her opening remarks, Mercy Yaa Boatemaa Appiah issued a stirring call to action: “Let us not allow this Act to merely exist on paper. We urge every stakeholder, especially educational institutions, to integrate gender equality measures and provide our future leaders with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their rights.”

The Affirmative Action Act, which aims to address entrenched gender disparities across Ghanaian society, sets ambitious goals for equal representation by 2030, with the Gender Equality Committee overseeing compliance and implementation.

The Act mandates gender-balanced representation across sectors—public and private—and specifically focuses on the inclusion of women in decision-making roles and leadership positions. With provisions for gender-responsive budgeting, enhanced female representation in security and judicial roles, and gender parity within political parties and unions, the Act is seen as a cornerstone for equality and social progress.

However, Appiah highlighted that the success of the Act hinges on the commitment of key stakeholders: “We call upon government agencies and private organizations to be active collaborators, to fulfill their mandates under this Act, and to ensure a fair representation that benefits all Ghanaians.”

The interactive sessions which featured high-profile personalities, explored strategies for implementing the Gender Equity law, empowering young women and girls, and developing impactful awareness campaigns.

Speakers at the event included:

• Sabia Kpekata, Deputy Director, Department of Gender, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection

• Dr. Hilda Haggar Ampadu, Inspector General of Schools, National Schools Inspectorate Authority

• Lady Alma Pokua Adade-Prempeh, Chartered Global Management Accountant

• Genevieve Partington, Country Director, Amnesty International Ghana

• Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, ESQ., Coordinator, Affirmative Action Bill Coalition

• Hon. Felicia Edem Attipoe, Municipal Chief Executive, Tema West