Ghana has passed a new law mandating 30% female representation in public decision-making roles by 2026. The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act 2024, signed into law in September 2024, also targets 35% by 2028 and 50% by 2030. This significant legislative step aims to increase women's participation from the current 14.5% of parliamentary seats.
This landmark act follows Ghana's ratification of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (CEVAWG) on July 30, 2026. Ghana became the second AU member state to ratify this legally binding treaty. CEVAWG obligates states to criminalise Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and fund victim support. These two legislative milestones occurred exactly two years apart, marking a notable period for gender rights in Ghana.
These legislative changes align with existing public sentiment, not ahead of it. An Afrobarometer Round 9 survey from April 2022 found 85% of Ghanaians believe violence against women is never justified. Nearly two-thirds, 64%, also stated domestic violence should be a criminal matter. This data suggests a broad public consensus supporting these new laws. The legislative process, though lengthy, has now caught up with public opinion.
Maame Akua Amoah Twum, Afrobarometer’s communications manager, highlighted the public's readiness. She noted that the public consensus was evident in data well before the bills became law. This indicates sustained pressure from advocates like the Affirmative Action Coalition and ABANTU for Development was crucial. Their efforts helped push these important bills across the finish line.
Despite strong public support for the laws, challenges remain in their practical implementation. The same Afrobarometer survey revealed that 42% of respondents believe a woman would face criticism or shame for reporting GBV. This includes 24% who said it was “somewhat” likely and 18% who said it was “very” likely. This perception persists even though 86% of Ghanaians trust the police to handle GBV cases seriously. The issue is not a lack of trust in the system, but fear of community backlash.
The AUCEVAWG specifically addresses this by emphasising shifting social norms. It calls for engaging families, communities, and promoting positive masculinity. This approach acknowledges that legal reforms alone are insufficient. The Affirmative Action Act also requires robust implementation tools. These include quotas, budgeting, and enforcement mechanisms within ministries, political parties, and boardrooms. Both laws now face the critical test of domestication and effective enforcement to truly transform gender rights in Ghana.