Civil society organizations (CSOs) have commended the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) for their active role in the passage of the Affirmative Action bill. However, they are calling for the speedy implementation of the law, emphasizing the need for the establishment of a Gender Equity Committee to oversee the process.
At a stakeholders’ engagement organized by CDD-Ghana on the Implementation of the Affirmative Action law, CSOs expressed their hope that a Legislative Instrument (LI) under Act 1121 will facilitate the effective implementation of the law.
Mrs. Sheila Minkah-Premo, Convenor of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, highlighted that the law is not limited to the public sector but also applies to the private sector, which should have gender policies in place.
Mrs. Minkah-Premo noted that the current law has weaknesses, including the lack of punishments and sanctions for non-compliance, which may require amendments. She emphasized the need for a more robust framework to ensure effective implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the Sector Minister, Isaac Mensah, Programme Officer at MoGCSP, called on stakeholders to continue supporting the Ministry in promoting gender equity. He emphasized the importance of creating a society where every individual has opportunities, platforms, and power to lead.
Mr. Mensah revealed that various institutions have been contacted to provide representatives for the Gender Equity Committee, and the list has been compiled and forwarded to the Office of the President for review and approval.
Francisca Owusu, a Research Fellow at CDD-GHANA, urged the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) to intensify sensitization efforts to keep the public informed about the Ministry’s work, particularly regarding the implementation of the Affirmative Action Law. “Active sensitization is crucial in aligning the public with the Ministry’s work,” she emphasized.
Francisca Owusu suggested that the Ministry leverage social media to educate Ghanaians about the collaboration between the government and stakeholders on the Affirmative Action Law, which was passed by Parliament in October 2023.
Source: Bernard K Dadzie; Greater Accra Region
