In his first State of the Nation Address, H.E. President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to eradicating all forms of discrimination in society, emphasizing that social democracy is rooted in fairness and inclusivity.
To realize this vision, President Mahama, alongside Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, will collaborate with development partners and civil society organizations to advance gender equality, equity, and social justice.
“Mr. Speaker, as a Social Democrat, I am resolutely committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination in our society. Our vision is to foster fairness and cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone can engage fully and equally in social, economic, and political life.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Mahama outlined a robust plan to enhance social protection mechanisms and legal frameworks that support women, girls, and vulnerable groups.
“Our initiatives will include enacting comprehensive laws and policies designed to dismantle harmful social norms, enhance access to crucial resources and opportunities—particularly for young women—and reduce overall vulnerability within our society. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to commend you for your unwavering support and guidance, which were instrumental in passing the Affirmative Action Act, 2024 (Act 1121) during the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
His administration is dedicated to ensuring the full implementation of this Act, which mandates gender equity across political, social, economic, educational, and cultural spheres.
“The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection is actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders to guarantee that this Act is fully operational, including attaining the 30% target quota for women in political appointments.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Progress in Gender Representation
President Mahama reported encouraging progress in gender representation within government appointments, stating that women currently occupy 23.21% of all political positions. However, he stressed that more work needs to be done to reach the 30% target set under Act 1121.
Despite efforts to promote gender equality, the President expressed concern over the low participation of women in local governance. He observed that few women apply for the role of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and even those who do are often unfairly eliminated.
‘’It is my hope that the National Constitution Review Conference will clear a pathway for the election of DCEs. The Gender Ministry will have the obligation to encourage and support more women to apply for these positions. In our pursuit of empowering women, Mr. Speaker, we will establish the Women’s Development Bank, a specialized financial institution designed to support businesses owned and led by women through low-interest loans and tailored financial services offered under flexible terms.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Consultations are already underway to ensure the successful launch of this bank. Additionally, the Minister for Finance will allocate initial funding for the bank in the upcoming Budget presentation, fulfilling a key pledge under the administration’s 120-day social contract.
Big LEAP Initiative
President Mahama reiterated his commitment to expanding the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme under the “Big LEAP” initiative. This initiative aims to extend support to more vulnerable households, ensuring that social protection reaches those who need it the most.
To enhance the effectiveness of this program, his government will complete the Ghana National Household Data Census by 2025, which will provide a clearer picture of household vulnerabilities. This data will facilitate the enrollment of new beneficiaries into the LEAP program.
President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is taking bold and decisive steps to promote gender equality, social justice, and economic empowerment.
Through the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, and the expansion of social protection programs, his government aims to create an inclusive society where women and vulnerable groups thrive.
His commitment to achieving gender balance in governance and empowering women economically underscores his broader vision of a fair and equitable Ghana.
With continued collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and development partners, these initiatives are set to bring lasting change to the country’s socio-political landscape.
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