Former broadcast journalist Shamima Muslim called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to swiftly sign the Affirmative Action Bill, which was recently passed by Parliament, emphasizing its critical importance for gender equality in Ghana.
Speaking on TV3’s Big Issue program, Muslim, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urged the President to elevate the implementation of the Bill by situating it in the President’s office.
This move, she argued, would underscore the government’s commitment and seriousness towards gender parity initiatives.
“The President needs to prioritize the implementation of this new law by quickly assenting to it and gazetting it,” Muslim stated.
She further suggested that allocating significant resources from the office’s budget, citing the recent allocation of 2 billion Cedis, would demonstrate tangible support for the Bill’s implementation.
Muslim highlighted the historic passage of the Affirmative Action Bill by the Eighth Parliament on July 30 and emphasized the long-standing efforts and discussions preceding its approval.
The Bill, aimed at promoting gender equity in various sectors, has been a subject of contention and advocacy for decades. It signals a significant milestone in Ghana’s legislative landscape.
Muslim’s appeal comes amidst expectations for swift action from President Akufo-Addo, positioning the implementation of the Affirmative Action Bill as a pivotal step towards enhancing women’s representation and empowerment across the nation.
