By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
Ghana’s history books have been rewritten with the election of Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as the country’s first female Vice President.
This groundbreaking achievement is more than a political milestone; it is a powerful statement on the role of women in governance and a step towards a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
A significant page has been turned in the nation’s history. Naana Jane’s ascension is not merely a personal triumph as her victory represents hope, progress, and the dismantling of long-standing barriers that have limited women’s participation in leadership.
In her own words, the triumph is about opening doors for others to succeed. This further symbolises a collective commitment to fostering a nation where gender equality and female representation are cherished and amplified.
By stepping into one of the highest offices in the land, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is proving to young girls and women across the country that they, too, belong in spaces of power. This moment is crucial because representation matters.
For too long, societal biases have kept women away from politics, governance, and executive roles. Yet, global research has consistently shown that gender-balanced leadership results in stronger economies, improved governance, and enhanced social cohesion.
As Ghana celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, this landmark victory serves as an opportunity to examine the country’s commitments to gender equality, the challenges that persist, and the necessary steps for true inclusivity.
Standing in global gender rankings
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 and the Africa Gender Index 2023, Ghana has made some progress but still has significant ground to cover.
Ghana ranks 88th globally on the Global Gender Gap Index with an overall score of 0.701. While the country ranks 30th in economic participation, education, political empowerment, and access to financial resources remain major challenges. In political representation, Ghana ranks 119th, highlighting the urgent need for policies like the Affirmative Action Act to take full effect.
The Africa Gender Index 2023 reveals that across the continent, women enjoy only half of the opportunities available to men. In Sub-Saharan Africa, gender parity stands at 68.4 percent, with women making up only 22.6 percent of government leadership. While progress has been made in areas like education and health, major gaps persist in economic and political inclusion.
Challenges
Despite these somewhat advancements, gender disparities continue to hinder progress in Ghana. Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue, with many survivors unable to access the legal and financial support they need.
Also, period poverty as although the removal of taxes on sanitary products is a positive step, low local production capacity means high costs remain a burden for many women. Deep-rooted biases continue to limit women’s participation in STEM, finance, and governance, despite education advancements.
Experts’ take on policy gaps
At the International Women’s Day panel discussion, experts highlighted key policy interventions needed to accelerate gender parity noting gender-responsive lending. They also suggest that government-backed Women’s Investment Fund with zero-interest loans could bridge the financial gap for female entrepreneurs.
As education-to-employment transition remains a major challenge. Experts proposed a guaranteed first-job scheme where the government partners with top employers to secure job placements for female university graduates in STEM, finance, and governance. Also a National Mentorship Data Scheme could pair female graduates with experienced industry leaders for a one-year career acceleration programme.
Additionally, beyond policies, they argued that there must be national public education campaigns aimed at dismantling gender stereotypes and shifting cultural norms to encourage women’s participation in leadership and business.
Government’s commitment
President John Dramani Mahama has made it clear that gender equality is a priority for his administration. His pledge to reset Ghana’s path towards inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and economic transformation is evident in the policies being introduced to empower women and marginalised groups.
The government’s commitment to gender equality is backed by significant policy initiatives, including the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank to support women-led businesses with low-interest loans and flexible financial services.
The Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act mandates a 30 percent quota for women in political appointments to ensure fair representation. Women now make up about 48 percent of the workforce at the Presidency, a major step towards gender inclusivity in governance.
The Mahama administration has reaffirmed its commitment to gender and disability inclusion, child protection, and social protection, emphasizing women’s empowerment and social equity.
The manifesto highlights a strong four-year agenda focused on reducing poverty, increasing women’s social and political representation, and dismantling harmful social norms that fuel gender-based violence and economic disparities. Legal protections for women and vulnerable groups will be strengthened, ensuring social buffers that address long-standing inequalities.
Key legislative reforms include the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, Property Rights of Spouses Bill, Intestate Succession (Amendment) Bill, and the Domestic Workers Bill, all designed to secure women’s legal and economic rights.
A 30percent quota for women in political appointments will be mandated to institutionalise gender parity across governance. The Women’s Development Bank is set to provide low-interest loans and financial services to women-led businesses, while the Women in Agriculture initiative will expand access to land and business support for young female farmers.
Addressing gender-based violence remains a top priority, with plans to establish 16 regional shelters for survivors, provide legal and medical support, and launch a Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment in Ghana campaign. The Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) will be elevated to a directorate-level agency, with expanded units across police districts. Forensic laboratories will also be upgraded to expedite investigations into gender-based crimes.
In tackling period poverty, the government has pledged to provide free sanitary pads to schoolgirls, improve menstrual hygiene facilities in schools, and introduce a National Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.
Maternal and child welfare reforms will include extending paid maternity leave to four months, introducing paternity leave, and expanding mental health support for mothers coping with stillbirths or infant loss. The success of these policies will depend on effective implementation, ensuring that gender and social protection measures translate into real change for women, children, and vulnerable communities.
Gender minister’s call to action
At the 2025 International Women’s Day event organised by the German Embassy, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey reaffirmed the government’s dedication to accelerating gender equality, rights, and empowerment.
This year’s commemoration presents an opportunity to deepen the call for action to unlock equity, rights, and opportunities for all while creating a future where no one is left behind. As such she reiterated that there is a need to dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate inequalities, ensuring inclusive access to education, employment, and leadership regardless of socioeconomic status, disability, or location.
Dr. Lartey also commended the progress made, particularly in women’s representation in governance, but acknowledged that more work remains to achieve the 30 percent benchmark for female political representation.
The path forward – what must change?
For gender equality to become a reality, Ghana must move beyond policies on paper to real implementation and accountability. Stronger enforcement of gender laws is essential, particularly full operationalisation of the Affirmative Action Act and the Domestic Violence Act.
Investment in women’s economic empowerment must be prioritised, ensuring the Women’s Development Bank is adequately funded and accessible. Political parties and institutions must be held accountable for meeting gender quotas. Establishing the 16 regional shelters for gender-based violence survivors must be fast-tracked, and local production of sanitary products must be scaled up to ensure affordability.
Collective action
The election of Ghana’s first female Vice President is a powerful symbol of progress, but true gender equality requires continuous effort and commitment. This is not just about one woman breaking barriers; it is about keeping the door open for future generations.
With stronger policies, cultural shifts, and accountability, Ghana can accelerate the journey towards gender equity. The government, private sector, and civil society must work together to ensure that women’s rights are not just celebrated on International Women’s Day but actively championed every day. The time for action is now.
Happy International Women’s Day!
The writer, Juliet Selase ETEFE is a journalist with the Business and Financial Times and Acting Online Editor of thebftonline.com. LinkedIn : juliet-etefe Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
