Abantu for Development, a gender advocacy non-governmental organisation, has organised a training and capacity-building workshop for media practitioners to strengthen advocacy for the effective implementation of Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121).

The workshop, supported by ActionAid, sought to deepen journalists’ understanding of the law and equip them with skills to use it as a tool to address gender imbalances, disparities and inequalities in representation in national development processes.

The workshop, which was held in Accra last Wednesday, was on the theme: “Strengthening advocacy for the implementation of Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024 – the case of the media”.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by ABANTU and its partners to ensure that the landmark legislation does not remain merely on paper but translates into tangible gains for women’s participation in leadership and decision-making across the country.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Department of Gender of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, a Programme Officer, Isaac Mensah, said the passage of the Affirmative Action Act was a major milestone in the country’s democratic and development journey.

He explained that the law provided a legal framework to dismantle historical and structural barriers that had limited women’s participation in governance and leadership, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive development.

The Executive Director, ABANTU for Development, Dr Rose Mensah-Kutun, said the formation of a dedicated coalition around the Affirmative Action Bill in 2019 significantly strengthened advocacy efforts, attracted development partner support and enhanced policy engagement, eventually leading to the law’s passage in July 2024.

She urged journalists, particularly the younger generation in both traditional and digital media, to broaden national conversations beyond partisan politics to include development issues, gender equity and accountability for policy implementation.

“The law is meant to right years of inequality where women’s representation in governance remains abysmally low, and the media has a responsibility to keep these issues in the public space,” she said.

Deepening implementation, accountability

Speaking on the next steps after the law’s passage, a legal practitioner and Convener of the Affirmative Action Coalition, Sheila Minkah-Premo, explained that the ongoing development of the Legislative Instrument was aimed at giving practical effect to the provisions of the Act.

She said the LI would not introduce new laws but would clarify procedures and mechanisms, such as the issuance of Gender Compliance Certificates, to ensure smoother enforcement and monitoring of compliance by institutions.

Mrs Minkah-Premo also said there was a need for adequate resources to support the work of the Gender Equity Committee and for continuous public education to close knowledge gaps around the law.