Parliament Appeals To Itself For Prompt Passage Of Affirmative Action Bill

Ghanaian lawmakers have appealed to themselves to ensure the prompt passage of the Affirmative Action Bill 2023 into law.

The Affirmative Action bill which has been in and out of the legislative arm for many years takes inspiration from the 1992 constitution and is expected to prohibite all form of discrimination against marginalised groups including gender disparities.

The bill also known as Gender Equality Bill, 2023 was laid in Parliament in October 2023

 It seeks to promote democracy, inclusion and good governance at all levels of governance and decision-making in Ghana, as well as address other social and economic imbalances.

The cry by the Ghanaian legilsators who have the power to make laws follows a statement made by Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and MP for Okaikwei South, Dakoa Newman on the floor of parliament on Wednesday June 19, 2024 in which she appealed for the immediate passage of the Gender equality Bill 2023.

According to the Minister, the urgent passage will not only promote women empowerment but Ghana’s international image.

All the lawmakers who contributed to the statement agreed in principle and urged the need for the piece of legislation to see the light of day as soon as practicable.

Some of them include, MP for Ketu South Abla Dzifa Gomashie, deputy Interior minister and MP for Gomoa Central, Naana Eyiah Quansah , Asawase MP, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Bole Bamboi MP, Yussif Sulemana, Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea and Member for Salaga South, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahima.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin during the Speaker’s Breakfast Forum in Accra in November, 2023 held on the theme “Thirty Years of Parliamentary Democracy under the Fourth Republic: Reflections on Citizens’ Engagement and the Way Forward” stated that parliament will not be passed under a certificate of urgency due to its critical nature.

He accordingly encouraged lawmakers to seek the input of their constituents and other stakeholders in order to craft a good legislation for the benefit of all.

Various gender sensitive stakeholders including ABANTU, Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), the Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) among others have advocated the early passage of the bill.

By: Christian Kpesese