Gender advocate and media personality, Josephine Oppong-Yeboah, has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for his strong desire to enforcing the Affirmative Action Act of 2024 (Act 1121).

The Act, designed to promote gender equity across all facets of national life in Ghana, aims to ensure that women’s voices are heard and included in every area of the country’s development.

Ms. Oppong-Yeboah’s praise follows President Mahama’s reaffirmation of his intention to implement the Affirmative Action Act.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) after his re-election, President Mahama, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, reiterated his administration’s dedication to making the Affirmative Action Act operational.

He revealed that the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure the Act’s provisions, including a 30 percent target quota for women in political appointments, are effectively achieved.

“I’m pleased to report that women currently constitute 23.21 percent of all appointments, and we are working diligently to meet the target set in Act 1121,” President Mahama stated.

The Affirmative Action Bill, passed by Parliament on July 30, 2024, received widespread acclaim from women’s rights groups both locally and internationally.

For Ms. Oppong-Yeboah, the Act’s implementation will not only advance gender equity but also drive economic growth, strengthen democracy, and address long-standing inequalities.

“Empowering women and ensuring their full participation in all spheres of society will help Ghana build a more inclusive and prosperous future for everyone,” she stated.

In addition, she noted, “Gender equality is closely linked to economic development.”

She further stressed that the Act will increase the visibility of women in leadership and influential roles, inspiring future generations of women to pursue their dreams while fostering a positive cycle of mentorship and empowerment.