Mahama pledges to enforce Affirmative Action Act

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the Affirmative Action Act of 2024 (Act 1121), aiming to promote gender equity across various sectors of national development.

Speaking during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) as a non-conservative leader on Thursday, President Mahama emphasized the government's dedication to ensuring greater female representation in decision-making roles.

He noted that the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection was actively engaging key stakeholders to bring the Act into full effect, particularly in achieving the 30 percent quota for women in political appointments.

He also highlighted the government's commitment to fostering gender equality by collaborating with development partners and civil society organizations to advance social justice and strengthen protections for women, girls, and marginalized groups.

The President outlined strategies to promote women’s empowerment, including legislative reforms to challenge discriminatory social norms, expanding access to resources and opportunities—especially for young women—and reducing societal vulnerabilities.

He expressed appreciation to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for his crucial role in ensuring the passage of the Affirmative Action Act during the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Addressing concerns about gender representation at the local government level, President Mahama acknowledged that few women apply for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive (MMDCE) positions due to systemic challenges.