By Celestine Avi
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, highlighting the country’s achievements in promoting women into key leadership positions.
Speaking at the opening session of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing, President Mahama said Ghana has made “historic milestones” under his leadership, including the election of the country’s first female Vice President and the appointment of women to top roles in government, the judiciary, and national security institutions.
“These are not symbolic gestures; they are a deliberate affirmation that women deserve a seat at the highest levels of decision-making,” he stated. “And I am confident that, in the very near future, our women will break the glass ceiling and that a woman will be president of the Republic of Ghana.”
Renewing the Beijing Promise
President Mahama called for renewed global commitment to the ideals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, thirty years after its adoption.
“The Beijing Declaration was never just a statement of intent; it was a moral covenant,” he emphasized. “It was a recognition that no nation can truly progress if half of its population is left behind.”
He urged global leaders to act with “greater resolve and innovation” to close the gender gap and dismantle structural barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in governance and development.
Ghana’s Progress in Gender Equality
President Mahama said Ghana remains steadfast in its pursuit of gender equality, backed by concrete policy actions and institutional reforms.
“We’ve achieved gender parity in school enrollment. Girls are going to school and staying in school,” he said, citing the strengthening of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), and the Domestic Violence Secretariat.
He noted that sustained budgetary allocations have improved the capacity of these institutions to deliver justice, protection, and social support to survivors of gender-based violence.
Empowering Women Through Social Protection
The President outlined several social protection programmes that directly benefit women and girls, including:
The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) initiative, targeting female-headed households.
The Ghana School Feeding Programme, which sources food locally to improve nutrition and school retention, especially for girls.
A policy reserving 50% of microfinance and small loan funds for women entrepreneurs.
Nationwide distribution of free sanitary pads for schoolgirls to address menstrual health and prevent absenteeism.
Free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, particularly women, and the No Academic Fee Policy for first-year tertiary students.
The upcoming Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund to ensure equitable access to healthcare for vulnerable groups.
Strengthening Legal and Policy Frameworks
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s strong legal foundation for gender equality, anchored by key instruments such as the:
Revised National Gender Policy (2025–2034)
Ghana National Social Protection Act
Domestic Violence Act (2007)
Human Trafficking Act (2005)
Justice for Children Policy
The President also drew attention to the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), which sets clear targets for women’s representation in public appointments.
“This Act mandates a minimum of 30% female representation in public appointments by the end of 2026, 35% by 2028, and 50% by 2030,” he announced.
Women’s Development Bank Initiative
As part of efforts to enhance women’s economic participation, President Mahama revealed plans for the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank.
“The bank will provide low-interest loans, financial literacy training, and business development support to women entrepreneurs,” he explained. “This initiative aims to promote financial inclusion and create more opportunities for women across all sectors of our economy.”
Protecting Gains Amid Global Shifts
President Mahama warned that rapid changes in the global order threaten to reverse progress made on gender equality.
“The global multilateral order and our rules-based trading systems are being jettisoned, giving way to more unilateral actions by some global players,” he noted. “In this unpredictable environment, we must safeguard the gains made by our women and other vulnerable groups since the Beijing Conference thirty years ago.”
President John Mahama urged African leaders to prioritize the welfare and empowerment of women, stressing that gender equality is vital to national development.
“Gender equality is more than a matter of justice; it is a catalyst for sustainable development. When women succeed, families thrive, communities become stronger, and nations progress,” he said.
A Call for Global Action
Looking ahead to the Beijing +30 milestone, President Mahama called for transformative action beyond rhetoric.
“Let us ensure that this milestone becomes a turning point, one that accelerates the realization of gender equality and women’s empowerment all over the world,” he appealed. “Together, we can make the next decade one of bold progress and shared prosperity for women and girls worldwide.”
