Ghana’s First Female Vice President and the Promise of the Affirmative Action Act
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Ghana has etched a transformative chapter in its political history with the successful conclusion of the 9th general elections of the country’s fourth republic. On 9 December 2024, the Electoral Commission of Ghana declared John Dramani Mahama as President-elect, alongside his running mate, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang after what many have described as ‘the most historic general elections of all time.’
This means for the first time, a woman will occupy the Vice-Presidential seat in Ghana, marking a watershed moment in the country’s democratic evolution. This achievement is further underscored by the passage of an Affirmative Action Act, 2024, a groundbreaking legislative framework designed to promote gender equity and increase women’s representation in decision-making spaces.
The Affirmative Action Act, which had been on the legislative agenda for over a decade, seeks to address gender disparities in leadership, mandating a minimum of 30% representation of women in public sector decision-making roles. The passage of this act, therefore, is a testament to the growing recognition of women’s pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s political and social future.
This new development in Ghana’s political history could not have been timelier, coinciding with the passage of the Affirmative Action Act just 5 months ago. For many, the confluence of these two events symbolises a decisive shift in Ghana’s commitment to gender inclusion.
For decades, women’s representation in Ghanaian politics has remained low. As of November 2024, only 14% of parliamentary seats in Ghana are held by women, compared to the global average of 26.5% as reported by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 2023. This stark underrepresentation highlights the systemic barriers women face in accessing political office. While several African countries, including Rwanda (61.3%), Senegal (43.0%), and South Africa (46.5%), have made significant strides in boosting female political representation, Ghana has lagged behind. The introduction of the Affirmative Action Act aims to bridge this gap by serving as a legal framework to increase women’s participation in political and decision-making roles.
Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s ascension to Ghana’s Vice Presidential seat will also serve symbolic importance for young girls across the nation. Seeing a woman occupy one of the highest offices in the land could spark new ambitions for girls in every region, from the most rural communities even through to urban areas. The feminist agenda, which has long advocated for “representation, not tokenism,” now finds significant validation in her election.
As we celebrate this win, it is also worthy of note that this historic moment is a double-edged sword. The success or failure of Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s tenure could significantly impact the perception of women in leadership. If she delivers on her mandate with excellence, it will affirm the feminist agenda, demonstrating that women are equally capable of steering the ship of state. Her success will further inspire confidence in the Affirmative Action Act, reinforcing its necessity and encouraging more women to step forward into leadership roles.
On the contrary, if her leadership falters, it risks setting the feminist movement in Ghana back by decades. Critics could seize the opportunity to question women’s capacity for leadership, undermining the objectives of the Affirmative Action Act and discouraging potential female leaders. The stakes, therefore, are undeniably high.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s performance could very well shape the future of women in Ghanaian politics. A successful tenure will not only bolster the implementation of the Affirmative Action Act but also pave the way for the possibility of a female president in Ghana’s future. Her leadership could foster a nationwide mindset shift, encouraging Ghanaians to embrace more feminine representation across various high political offices and gender equity as a cornerstone to national progress.
As the nation celebrates this milestone, Ghanaians must rally behind the new administration, particularly Professor Opoku-Agyemang. Her success is not hers alone—it is a collective victory for every woman and girl in Ghana who dreams of breaking barriers. The election of Ghana’s first female vice president is a powerful symbol of hope, but it is her work in office that will determine whether this hope becomes a lasting reality.
About the author
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey
Deborah Nana Ama Abbey is a development practitioner with expertise in communication, youth empowerment, advocacy and human rights. With a diverse professional background, she has contributed her skills to various national and international organisations. Community engagement lies at the heart of Deborah’s values, as evidenced by her initiative “Every Kid Deserves Christmas,” which brings joy to hundreds of children from underprivileged backgrounds every year. Currently, she serves as a communications assistant, where she plays a pivotal role in driving positive change and development at the West Africa Civil Society Institute.
