Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has described the Affirmative Action Act as vital to advancing gender inclusion and strengthening Ghana’s democratic values.
She made the remarks during a policy dialogue organized by the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA), in collaboration with NETRIGHT, the Africa Women’s Development Fund, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, to mark one year since the passage of the Affirmative Action Act.
In her address, Prof. Amfo said the Act is key to reshaping how law and policy are framed to include all citizens, particularly women, as equal stakeholders in national development.
“The Affirmative Action Act goes beyond governance. It is meant to shift the semantic framing of our laws and policies to include every Ghanaian, especially women, as equal contributors to national development.”
She stressed that while the legislation is critical, its success will rely heavily on practical implementation. Despite constitutional guarantees and Ghana’s commitment to international frameworks, she noted that women remain underrepresented across institutions such as Parliament, local governments, corporate bodies, and public service.
“This Act was not the idea of just two women. It is a democratic initiative and a strategic mission to build a resilient and prosperous Ghana.”
Prof. Amfo further referenced Ghana’s international obligations under conventions such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals, describing the Act as a major step toward meeting those commitments.
Speaking during a panel discussion, Programmes Officer at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Victoria Nyavor, said the Ministry of Finance is responsible for the budget for implementing the Act, with additional financial support expected from the World Bank.
“We have the local government setup to give us the legs to operationalize the Act fully. Almost all ministries are involved through cross-ministerial consultations. We’re also engaging local councils to support implementation,” she said.
Nyavor added that the presence of local secretariats is critical for coordinating gender-related policies and urged groups interested in feminist policy implementation to reach out to the Ministry or local assemblies for guidance.
Participants were encouraged to become advocates for gender equality in their communities and workplaces, with speakers stressing the importance of collective responsibility in advancing equity.
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Story by Sandra Abena Bansah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
