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Ghana’s Affirmative Action Bill passage highly commendable — Josephine Oppong-Yeboah
Josephine Oppong Yeboah
Media personality and gender advocate, Ms Josephine Oppong-Yeboah, has described the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill in Ghana as a “highly commendable act.”
For her, the passage of the Bill in the country was a significant step towards creating a more equitable and just society.
She said the Bill will help to promote gender equality, enhance economic growth, strengthen democracy, and address historical inequalities.
“By empowering women and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of society, Ghana can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its citizens,” she said, adding that “gender equality is closely linked to economic growth”
Ms Oppong-Yeboah in a media interview after the passage of the Bill on July 30 2024, said the adoption of the Affirmative Action Bill was a major achievement and demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to achieving gender equality in both public and private sector in the exercise of power and decision-making.
The purpose of the Bill is to effectively address social, cultural, economic and political gender imbalances in the country, stemming from historical discrimination against women and persistent patriarchal socio-cultural systems and norms.
It also seeks to ensure gender equity in both the public and private sector.
For Ms Oppong-Yeboah, empowering women and ensuring their participation in all aspects of society leads to better health, education, and social outcomes for families and communities.
She said the Bill would help to increase the visibility of women in leadership and influential positions, adding that “the bill can inspire and encourage future generations of women to pursue their ambitions; this creates a positive cycle of mentorship and empowerment.”
She was of the view that the decision by Ghana to pass the Bill also aligns with the country’s commitments and demonstrates its dedication to upholding international standards.
“Ghana is a signatory to various international agreements and conventions that promote gender equality, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the gender advocate explained.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Government has inaugurated a Technical Committee to drive the implementation of the Accra Marine Drive Tourism Investment Project, a key initiative aimed at transforming the capital’s waterfront into a world-class tourism and commercial hub.
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, described the move as a critical step to accelerate progress, stressing the need for efficiency, collaboration, and accountability.
The Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister Yussif Issaka Jajah, will coordinate stakeholders, address bottlenecks, and ensure timely delivery of the project.
The initiative is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has stepped up its fire safety education efforts in Suhum Municipality and Abetifi Odwenease as part of ongoing campaigns to prevent fire outbreaks and improve emergency readiness.
In Suhum, fire officers engaged traders and customers, educating them on handling LPG leakages, proper use of fire extinguishers, and general shop safety practices. Meanwhile, the Kwahu East Command extended outreach in Abetifi Odwenease, visiting homes, drinking spots, construction sites, and stores to promote safe handling of flammable materials, proper electrical usage, and correct gas cylinder placement.
Practical demonstrations on fire extinguisher use were conducted, and residents were encouraged to adopt good housekeeping habits and proactive safety measures to reduce fire risks and protect lives and property.
