Fulfill 30 percent women appointments promise— AWLN to President Mahama  

By Priscilla Oye Ofori

Accra, Jan. 24, GNA — Dr. Charity Binka, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, has called on President John Mahama to honour his commitment to appoint 30 percent women to his government.  

She said that the President had pledged this in his 2024 manifesto, noting that fulfilling the promise would advance women’s empowerment and boost their participation in leadership and politics.  

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Binka stressed the importance of political will to achieve this goal, adding that the Mahama administration could leverage the Affirmative Action Act to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

“The Affirmative Action law, which was passed in 2024 stipulates that by 2026, we should have 30 per cent of women in leadership and all that, and between 2027 and 2028, we should have 35 per cent, and from 2029 to 2030, we should have 50 per cent. That is parity,” Dr Binka stated. 

Dr. Binka stated that if President Mahama adhered to the Affirmative Action Act, his government would be in a strong position to address the issue of gender imbalance, as there were many factors preventing women’s full participation that could be overcome with some support. 

“In the appointments of Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officers, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, at all levels, we want to see that 30 per cent because it is a commitment they made, and they must stand by it.  

“Four years is a very short time, and they must be in a hurry to do that,” she said. 

Dr. Binka also urged both current and future governments to demonstrate a strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women.  

She praised the election of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice President, viewing it as proof that women could hold high office. 

“So, for me, I see the appointment of our first female Vice President as the starting point. It is a good sign that as a country we believe in women’s leadership.  

“That woman showed class, she was exceptional. Many people were wondering if for her age, she could do it, her energy, and the difference she brought to the campaign is something I have never seen before.  

‘‘I want to congratulate her, and I really appreciate her for making us so proud as women and as a country,” Binka said.  

GNA