Gender Equity law is a landmark achievement in our journey toward equality - Naa Jama Opoku Prempeh

Alma Naa Jama Opoku Prempeh, the wife of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), the New Patriotic Party's vice-presidential candidate, has lauded the 2024 Gender Equity Law as a significant milestone in Ghana's pursuit of equality.

During an Affirmative Action Conference in Accra on Monday, November 4, 2024,

she pointed out the bill's importance in empowering women across various sectors, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive and achieve her potential.

"This moment is an honour as we celebrate a landmark achievement in our journey toward equality. The passing of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill represents a steadfast commitment to Ghanaian women across all sectors, guaranteeing a future where every woman can develop and succeed," she stated.

Naa Jama, a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), further stated that the law is a collective victory for all Ghanaians.

"It is indeed a victory for Ghanaians, a powerful testament to that when we are together as women, we can reshape the future", she added.

She expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Parliament for their roles in the successful passage of the bill. She noted that this initiative, which began in 1998, aims to address the socio-cultural, political, economic, and educational disparities in both private and public sectors and took 38 years to realise.

"The leadership of a party that believes in possibilities has facilitated the passage and assent of this bill within seven and a half years," she said.

As she celebrated this achievement, she called for reflection on how to ensure that all women benefit from the new law and how to foster a society that leaves no one behind.

The Affirmative Action Conference, organised by the Office of the National Gender Commissioner of the Graduates Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) in collaboration with the All African Students Union (AASU) assembled some prominent personalities for a discourse on the Gender Equity law.

The event was widely regarded by participants as highly successful, given the strong turnout and the depth of insight displayed by both speakers and attendees.

Mercy Yaa Boatemaa Appiah, National Gender Commissioner of GRASAG, expressed optimism that the gathering would be impactful, shaping narratives and positively influencing lives.

The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill, introduced in 2011 and repeatedly revisited by Parliament, was finally passed unanimously on July 30, 2024, and signed into law by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on September 19, 2024.

It encourages diversity at all levels and lays out policies and procedures to guarantee that underrepresented groups, particularly women, minorities and people who are challenged, have equal opportunities and are actively involved in decision-making at all levels of leadership in the country.

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