The Affirmative Action Coalition has pointed to significant challenges that persist in Ghana’s efforts to close gender gaps, particularly in politics, despite the passage of the Affirmative Action Act in 2024.

At a policy dialogue organised by the University of Ghana’s Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) on Thursday, July 31, 2025, stakeholders gathered to assess the Act’s implementation, progress, and persistent barriers one year after it became law.

Speaking at the event, Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, Coordinator of the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, stated that the political provisions of the Act remain weak and require urgent review to achieve meaningful outcomes.

“It is stated in the constitution that at least 30% of Parliament should be women, but there is no gender-sensitive mechanism to enforce this. The law doesn’t allow for reserved seats or compel the Electoral Commission to sanction political parties that fail to comply. The political provisions in the Act are vague and lack teeth. We need to reframe this within a more specific constitutional context,” the Coordinator said.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, also weighed in, describing the Act as a democratic imperative rather than a favour to women.

“This Act is not a gift; it is a necessity for building a resilient and prosperous Ghana. Our constitution and moral conscience recognise the equality of all persons, yet women remain grossly underrepresented in decision-making — in Parliament, local government, corporate boardrooms, and across public and private sectors,” she said.

Participants called for stronger political will, targeted legal reforms, and sustained public education to ensure the full realisation of the Act’s goals.