Send-Ghana urges Akufo-Addo to sign Affirmative Action Bill

A civil society group, send-Ghana, is calling on President Akufo-Addo to assent the Affirmative Action bill into law.

This, they said, will fulfil the aspirations of countless Ghanaians who have long advocated for gender equity.

The journey toward the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law has been long and arduous.

The process began in 1998 and has undergone extensive deliberation and consultation, reflecting the diverse voices and perspectives of Ghanaians, especially women’s groups and civil society organizations, who have been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for change.

Parliament of Ghana on July 31st, 2024 passed the bill, awaiting the signature of President of Akufo-Addo.

The Chief Executive Officer of send-Ghana, Siapha Karma believes the passage of the Bill by Parliament is the game changer to gender issues.

He believes the passage of the bill is crucial to see women take up important positions and participate in leadership roles at all levels of governance.

Mr Karma said the low participation of women in decision-making roles and many important spheres of Ghanaian society has been a longstanding issue.

He indicated that women make up about 50.7% of Ghana’s population yet are often not equitably represented at the decision-making table and in other important areas of national life.

“Despite their vital contributions to society, systemic barriers and cultural norms have hindered their full involvement,” he reiterated.

While less than 15% of Ghana’s 275 members of parliament are women, below the 30% United Nations target, the Affirmative Action Bill mandates equal representation. It aims for at least 30% female participation in decision-making processes towards achieving the United Nations set targets.

“This provision seeks to address gender imbalances and promotes inclusive governance. Once the President signs, the bill will tackle these systemic barriers, enhancing women’s participation in all spheres,” he added.

The civil society group therefore wants the President to hasten the passage of the bill into law.

The group urges that authorities act swiftly and decisively to make the transformative legislation a reality, thus reinforcing Ghana’s dedication to equality and inclusive progress for all its citizens.

BY KINGSLEY ADUSEI-AMAKYE, ONUA TV/3FM

The post Send-Ghana urges Akufo-Addo to sign Affirmative Action Bill first appeared on 3News.

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