Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has vowed to hold President John Dramani Mahama’s administration accountable for implementing the Affirmative Action Act, which mandates that at least 30% of government appointments be reserved for women.
Speaking at a special event organized by Ladies in Parliamentary Service and the Women’s Caucus in Parliament to mark International Women’s Day, Bagbin expressed concern over the slow progress in increasing female representation in leadership positions.
“Women continue to face socio-economic and political barriers that hinder their advancement. We must move beyond rhetoric and step into action by enforcing policies that ensure that the targets set out in the first schedule of the Act are achieved within the timelines provided,” he stated.
Bagbin emphasized that the Act requires the President to progressively achieve gender equity across key government institutions, including ministerial positions, the Council of State, independent constitutional bodies, district assemblies, and the public service.
President Mahama recently revealed that women currently make up only 23% of his appointments, falling short of the mandated 30% target. The Speaker, therefore, urged the government to act swiftly.
“I am determined to hold the government to account in making sure that the provisions of this Act are totally implemented. We have tarried long in passing this law. Let us not apply the same wishy-washy attitude towards its implementation,” he stressed.
Bagbin further criticized the current leadership structure in Parliament, highlighting that out of 43 committees, only four are chaired by women. Additionally, of the 19 ministers of state in the cabinet, only two are women.
“I am not impressed with what I have seen so far in the position of women in the leadership of Parliament, committees of Parliament, and appointments to ministerial positions. Even the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is not a cabinet ministry,” he lamented.
The Speaker warned that Parliament would not accept any appointments below the statutory benchmark, adding that Ghana must take decisive action to close the gender gap.
“Your Excellency, you have to sit down. I’m prepared to partner and go with you and ensure that the right thing is done. We have a lot of opportunities as a country, as a Parliament. This is our time,” he urged.
Leader of the Women’s Caucus, Comfort Doyoe Ghansah Cudjoe, echoed Bagbin’s sentiments and called on men to actively support women’s empowerment instead of seeing them as competition.
“This is not a fight between men and women. It is about fairness, inclusion, and development. A country that sidelines half of its population in decision-making cannot fully progress,” she emphasized.
She further encouraged male leaders to champion gender equality and play an active role in dismantling barriers that limit women’s advancement.
Bagbin reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring full compliance with the Affirmative Action Act, cautioning against any form of delay or neglect.
“We passed the law, and we must show the way. Ghana cannot afford to remain stagnant on gender equality. The time for action is now,” he declared.
