Ghana has received the final Work Plan for the African Union Champion on Gender and Development for 2026–2028, marking a major step towards translating the Champion’s mandate into concrete actions to advance gender equality and development across Africa.

The work plan was formally presented by the Director of the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (WGYD), Ms Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, at the close of a three-day Strategy Co-Creation and Validation Workshop held in Accra.

Presenting the outcomes of the workshop, Ms Ngwenya said participants had been deliberate in defining an innovative and impactful role for the Champion, particularly as Ghana prepares to assume leadership of the African Union.

She noted that gender equality remains central to AU Agenda 2063, economic growth and social development, with the Champion expected to mobilise political support and advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment at the highest level.

Receiving the work plan on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said the document should not be viewed as an end in itself but as a roadmap for action.

She said its value would ultimately be measured by its translation into concrete interventions, strengthened policies, mobilised resources and measurable improvements in the lives of women and girls across Africa.

Dr Lartey reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to supporting the AU Champion and highlighted recent strides in advancing gender equality, including the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), the National Gender Policy (2025–2034), and Parliament’s approval of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

The three-day engagement focused on the Champion’s comparative advantage, vision and theory of change, strategic priorities, Presidential initiatives, implementation and partnerships, investment, monitoring and accountability.

The validated work plan is expected to provide a clear framework for coordinated action as Ghana works with the African Union Commission to advance gender equality and development across the continent.