By At the recent launch of Strengthening Capacities on Gender Equality and Socially Inclusive Ghana’s Elections 2024 and Beyond, held by ABANTU for Development, Becky Ahadzi, Coordinator for the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, delivered a solidarity message on behalf of the coalition’s Convener, Mrs. Sheila Minkah-Premo Esq.
The message highlighted the recent passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which mandates 30% women representation in decision-making roles by 2026, with a target of 50% by 2030.
Ahadzi acknowledged ABANTU’s ongoing support for the coalition and its dedication to gender equality. “I would like to commend ABANTU for all the great work it has done towards promoting gender equality and women’s political participation in Ghana,” Ahadzi stated.
The coalition emphasized the importance of political parties supporting female candidates, especially as the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Act came too late to impact primary elections.
The Act’s provisions, however, encourage women to push for greater inclusion, lobbying for appointments in decision-making roles and leveraging their influence in political parties. “Vote for WOMEN in the upcoming December 2024 elections and continue working towards a more gender-inclusive political landscape in Ghana,” Ahadzi urged, quoting Maya Angelou: “Each time a woman stands up for herself…she stands up for all women.”
With ABANTU’s new project launch, both organizations aim to strengthen support for gender equality in politics, encouraging a lasting commitment to inclusive governance in Ghana.
