The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has held a successful two-day high-level strategic retreat aimed at facilitating the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).

Delivering her address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, emphasised that the passage of the Act in July 2024 marked a historic turning point in Ghana’s pursuit of gender equity, inclusive governance, and sustainable national development.

She noted that the Act aims to progressively increase women’s representation in decision-making spaces across both public and private sectors, targeting at least 30% by 2026 and 50% by 2034.

The Minister highlighted that the Ministry has initiated steps to draft the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) for the full operationalization of the Act, and has already distributed copies of the law to MDAs, MMDAs, security services, and other stakeholders. Infographics and awareness materials have also been developed to support advocacy and training activities across various sectors.

Dr. Lartey called for collective action in the implementation process, stating that success will depend on the coordinated efforts of government, development partners, civil society, academia, the media, and local communities.

She expressed appreciation to UN Women, UNICEF, UNDP, the World Food Programme, and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter for their immense support in organizing the retreat.

The retreat, brought together members of the Ministry’s Advisory Board, Parliamentarians, members of the newly constituted Gender Equity Committee, representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners including UNDP Ghana, UN Women, UNICEF Ghana, and the World Food Programme, academia, as well as civil society organisations.

Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD