Affirmative Action law will strengthen Ghana's governance – Josephine Oppong-Yeboah

Media personality and gender advocate, Josephine Oppong-Yeboah, has expressed confidence that the effective implementation of Ghana's Affirmative Action law will significantly enhance the nation's governance structure.

She believes that the inherent empathy of women would steer them away from actions that could harm the broader interests of the populace.

"Women have always been sidelined, but this is the time for their voices to be heard," she emphasised.

In an interview with Graphic Online, Ms. Oppong-Yeboah stressed that while the law has been enacted, its success lies in careful and deliberate implementation.

"Both public and private institutions must actively ensure that the Affirmative Action Act is not just a policy on paper but a reality in practice," she said.

Highlighting global examples, she pointed out that countries where women have been given opportunities in leadership are already witnessing positive outcomes.

She urged that Ghana should not let the Act gather dust but rather put it to good use.

Ms. Oppong-Yeboah also praised the efforts of all stakeholders who played a role in passing the Affirmative Action Bill and commended President Akufo-Addo for assenting to it.

"We have shown that together, we can protect and uplift the rights and welfare of women," she noted.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially signed the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill 2024, passed by Parliament in July.

This bill seeks to address gender imbalances in Ghana's socio-cultural, economic, and political spheres, and promote gender equity in both the public and private sectors.

The announcement was made by Dakoa Newman, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, on X on September 19, 2024.