Professor H Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development and Chairman of the 2025 Constitutional Review Committee, has thrown his full support behind moves to criminalise sex for jobs practices, describing the proposed legislation as long overdue and necessary.
Responding to recent calls for reform, he indicated that CDD-Ghana is ready to assist in drafting the legislation, offering its expertise to the Attorney General’s Department and the Ministry of Justice at no cost.
“CDD Ghana would be more than happy to work with your Attorney General’s Department and Ministry of Justice to draft such a progressive, long overdue bill,” he stated, adding that with the governing party’s strong parliamentary majority, the passage of such a law should not face major obstacles.
He further described the initiative as a defining opportunity for the current administration, suggesting that its successful implementation could stand as a significant reform milestone.
According to him, the legislation would represent a meaningful step toward addressing abuse of power in employment settings and could become a notable legacy achievement.
Mahama’s Proposal Sparks Policy Momentum
The renewed push for legislation follows comments by President John Dramani Mahama, who recently called for strict legal measures to address the issue. Speaking during a town hall meeting in Koforidua on May 2, 2026, the President described the practice as exploitative and unacceptable.
He noted that in some cases, employers demand romantic or sexual relationships as a condition for offering jobs, a situation he said undermines fairness and merit.
“One of the worst things is that sometimes if the employer is a male, they demand some romantic relationship before they give them jobs,” he said, stressing that such conduct should be punishable under the law.
The President emphasized the need for firm legal consequences, stating that the practice must be eliminated through decisive legislative action. “It is unacceptable. It must stop. If anybody does that, there should be a law that deals with them very strongly,” he added.
Toward a Comprehensive Legal Framework
Professor Prempeh’s intervention highlights the growing consensus among policy experts and civil society actors that legal reform is essential to addressing the issue effectively.
He suggested that the proposed law should go beyond criminal sanctions to include civil remedies, enabling victims to seek redress through multiple legal avenues.
Such a framework, he argued, would strengthen accountability while providing protection for individuals who may otherwise be reluctant to report abuse.
Legal analysts note that drafting an effective law will require clear definitions of prohibited conduct, robust reporting mechanisms, and safeguards against victim intimidation or retaliation.
Addressing Structural Gender Inequality
The issue of sex for jobs is closely linked to broader concerns about gender inequality in Ghana’s labour market. President Mahama acknowledged this during his engagement with citizens, particularly in response to concerns raised by a female student.
He noted that women often face barriers to employment despite possessing equal qualifications, a situation that is exacerbated by exploitative practices. The President highlighted the importance of creating an environment where opportunities are based on merit rather than coercion.
He also pointed to positive developments, including the increasing presence of women in traditionally male-dominated professions. “I find it very admirable when I see the girls doing those kinds of jobs,” he said, referring to female engineers he has encountered on project sites.
Commitment to Gender Parity in Governance
Beyond workplace reforms, the President reaffirmed his commitment to achieving gender balance in governance. He outlined plans to ensure equal representation of men and women in leadership positions by the end of his administration.
“We are going to work to make sure that we achieve the targets. By the end of 2028, we should achieve 50 50 parity,” he stated. This commitment reflects a broader strategy aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal participation in national development.
Addressing exploitative practices such as sex for jobs is a critical step toward achieving these goals, as it directly impacts women’s ability to compete fairly in the workforce.
The convergence of political will and civil society support has created momentum for what could become a significant legal reform. Professor Prempeh’s readiness to support the drafting process underscores the role of independent policy institutions in shaping legislation that addresses complex social issues.
His emphasis on the urgency of the matter reflects a broader recognition that existing legal frameworks may be insufficient to deter or punish such conduct effectively.
Beyond Legislation
While the proposed law is expected to play a central role, experts caution that legislation alone may not fully resolve the issue. Effective enforcement, public awareness, and cultural change will be essential to ensure that the law has a meaningful impact.
Institutions responsible for implementation will need to be adequately resourced and empowered to act. In addition, sustained advocacy and education will be required to encourage reporting and challenge societal norms that may enable such practices.
As discussions continue, attention will shift to the formal processes required to translate the proposal into law. Stakeholder consultations, drafting, and parliamentary debate are expected to shape the final outcome.
With strong backing from both government and civil society, the proposed criminalisation of sex for jobs is likely to remain a key focus of Ghana’s reform agenda.
For many Ghanaians, the initiative represents an opportunity to address a persistent form of exploitation while reinforcing principles of fairness, dignity, and accountability in the workplace.
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