By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, Aug. 19, GNA – Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sunyani-based Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a human rights and anti-corruption media foundation, has praised Parliament for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill.
Now Affirmative Act 2024 (Gender Equity), Mr Ahenu, the CEO of the leading organisation, that advocates social justice, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Sunyani that “the historic passage of the bill is, however, not the end of the story.”
“In a historic move, Parliament has passed the Bill, making a significant step towards addressing historical injustices and promoting diversity across various sectors.
“While this achievement is celebrated, it also underscores that the journey towards true inclusivity and equity is just beginning”, he stated and lauded parliament for its progressive action too.
Mr Ahenu said the passage of the Bill had a potential impact on the nation, saying, “It is a testament to our lawmakers’ commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.”
The Affirmative Action Bill aims to ensure fair representation for under-represented groups in critical areas, including education and employment.
By providing a framework to level the playing field, the passage of the bill, according to Mr Ahenu would offer opportunities to those who had been historically marginalized and added, however, that its passage was “only the first step”.
“Implementing the provisions of this bill will require a robust framework to monitor compliance and enforce penalties for non-compliance”.
“Without a strong commitment from all sectors of society, the bill’s goals may not be fully realized”, he indicated, saying public reaction to the bill’s passage had been mixed.
“Many supporters view it as a crucial move toward justice and equity. The bill represents a hope for millions who have been denied opportunities based on their gender, race, or socioeconomic status”, he stated.
“However, some critics argued that the bill can lead to reverse discrimination and undermine meritocracy and addressing these concerns will be essential to ensuring the bill’s success”, Mr Ahenu stated and called for continuous advocacy and public awareness campaigns on the Act.
That would play a vital role in supporting the Act’s enforcement, saying GloMeF intended to lead efforts in educating the public and fostering community engagement to ensure that the nation achieves the optimum benefit of the new Act.
“The passage of the Affirmative Action Bill is a powerful symbol of progress. But it also serves as a reminder that legislative victories are just the beginning”.
“Achieving true equality requires sustained effort, ongoing advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to dismantling systemic barriers,” he stated and called for continued vigilance and dedication to creating a society where everyone, regardless of their background had an equal opportunity to succeed in life.
GNA