Media Trained on Implementation of Affirmative Action Act

Media practitioners in Accra have undergone a sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, 2024 (Act 1121), as Ghana works toward achieving increased women’s representation across all sectors.

Media Trained on Implementation of Affirmative Action Act

The one-day training, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Sunlodge Hotel, was organised by the Affirmative Action Law Coalition (AALC), hosted by ABANTU for Development, with support from the STAR Ghana Foundation and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The workshop forms part of efforts to deepen public understanding of Act 1121, which sets progressive targets to address gender imbalances in leadership, governance, employment and decision making in both public and private sectors.

Under the law, a minimum threshold of 30 per cent representation of women is required from 2024 to 2026, increasing to 35 per cent by 2026, with a long-term goal of achieving gender parity by 2034.

Organisers noted that although the Act was passed by Parliament on July 30, 2024, and assented to on September 11, 2024, public knowledge of its provisions, obligations and timelines remains limited. They expressed concern that misinformation and misreporting risk generating misconceptions that could undermine effective implementation.

Participants were taken through the background and key provisions of the Act, as well as practical strategies for responsible and informed reporting. Discussions also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping national discourse, influencing public perception and holding duty bearers accountable.

According to the organisers, the media remains one of the most powerful civic actors in strengthening democratic governance and promoting inclusive development. They stressed that accurate and balanced reporting would be essential in ensuring that the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act are achieved without resistance rooted in misunderstanding.

The training is expected to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote informed dialogue and contribute to the smooth implementation of the landmark gender equity legislation.