Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey told the Women’s Voices Matter Movement that government is following through on promises to support women’s rights and welfare. The assurance came after the group presented a petition to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The petition, delivered by the group’s representative Madam Akosua Manu, raised several issues. These included women’s constitutional rights, freedom of expression, the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, and the establishment of the proposed Women’s Development Bank.
Dr Lartey received the petition and described the protest as an exercise of democratic rights. She said the ministry had heard the concerns raised.
The minister gave an update on the Affirmative Action Act. She said a committee and secretariat had been set up to support the law’s implementation. This committee is expected to oversee and ensure the Act’s provisions are put into practice.
Regarding the Women’s Development Bank, Dr Lartey explained that the project is being led by the Office of the Vice President. The ministry is working with relevant stakeholders on the bank’s creation. She said government remains focused on setting up the bank to benefit women and the broader population.
Dr Lartey also said the ministry is ready to continue engaging stakeholders to address issues affecting women, children, persons with disabilities, and other groups under its mandate.
The Women’s Voices Matter Movement has pressed for clearer action on these issues. The Affirmative Action Act, passed in 2021, requires political parties to ensure that women make up at least 40% of their candidates. But implementation has faced delays and challenges.
Similarly, the Women’s Development Bank has been in discussion for several years. It aims to provide financial services and support to women entrepreneurs and businesses. The bank is seen as a way to boost women’s economic participation.
Dr Lartey’s comments come amid growing demands from civil society groups for tangible progress in women’s rights and empowerment initiatives. The ministry’s acknowledgment of the petition signals a readiness to respond, but the details of next steps remain to be seen.
The petition to the ministry reflects ongoing debates in Ghana about how to translate laws and policies into real benefits for women across the country. The creation of institutions like the Women’s Development Bank could reshape access to finance for women if fully realised.
For now, government officials say work is underway behind the scenes. The public and advocacy groups will be watching closely to see if these promises lead to concrete changes in the near future.
According to Joy Online.
