Ghana's Gender Ministry announced Tuesday that officials have started forming a special committee to enforce the country's new gender equality law. The Gender Equity Committee will watch how organizations follow the Affirmative Action Act that became law last year. Ministry representatives spoke at a meeting organized by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development and partner groups. Officials said they have sent a list of committee nominees to the President for final approval.
The gender equality law requires workplaces to hire more women for leadership jobs. Companies and government offices must reach 30 percent women leaders by 2026 and 50 percent by 2034. Parliament passed the law during July 2024 and the President signed it two months later. Women's groups had pushed for this legislation for many years before lawmakers approved it.
Critics worry the government has moved too slowly to start the new programs. Key parts of the law remain unused almost one year after passage. The ministry official said workers have prepared a strategic plan for the committee's office. Finance Ministry officials will decide how much money to provide for the new programs.
Government lawyers have started writing detailed rules to help enforce the gender law. The ministry promised to hold public meetings across Ghana before finalizing these enforcement guidelines. The new committee will make sure both private companies and government agencies follow the women's representation requirements. Officials expect the committee to begin operations after the President approves all nominees.
The gender equality law requires workplaces to hire more women for leadership jobs. Companies and government offices must reach 30 percent women leaders by 2026 and 50 percent by 2034. Parliament passed the law during July 2024 and the President signed it two months later. Women's groups had pushed for this legislation for many years before lawmakers approved it.
Critics worry the government has moved too slowly to start the new programs. Key parts of the law remain unused almost one year after passage. The ministry official said workers have prepared a strategic plan for the committee's office. Finance Ministry officials will decide how much money to provide for the new programs.
Government lawyers have started writing detailed rules to help enforce the gender law. The ministry promised to hold public meetings across Ghana before finalizing these enforcement guidelines. The new committee will make sure both private companies and government agencies follow the women's representation requirements. Officials expect the committee to begin operations after the President approves all nominees.
