ActionAid Ghana has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to promptly assent to the Affirmative Action Bill, also known as the Gender and Equity Bill 2024, which Parliament has recently approved.
The proposed legislation aims to tackle social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances resulting from historical discrimination against women and entrenched patriarchal norms. It also seeks to ensure gender parity across both public and private sectors.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, ActionAid Ghana praised Parliament for passing the bill and stressed the need for President Akufo-Addo to sign it into law without delay.
The organization emphasized that swift presidential assent is crucial for empowering women and girls and achieving gender equality.
“ActionAid Ghana applauds the Parliament of Ghana for advancing the Affirmative Action Bill 2024,” the statement read.
“With this important legislation, women and girls will gain empowerment across all facets of society, and gender equity will be more attainable.”
ActionAid Ghana also called on the private sector to align with and promote gender-inclusive policies once the bill becomes law.
The organization highlighted the bill’s potential to dismantle systemic barriers to women’s advancement.
In addition to the Affirmative Action Bill, ActionAid Ghana urged President Akufo-Addo to assent to the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
This bill is aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly women, from harmful and often fatal accusations of witchcraft.
