News:
February 20, 2026
The Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, has called on the Ministry of Gender to present the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) for the newly passed Affirmative Action Act to the House for approval.
President John Dramani Mahama has assented to the bill, formally establishing it as the Affirmative Action Act. The law is designed to ensure a critical mass of women occupy key positions in governance, public life, and decision-making processes.
In an interview with Ghanamps.com, Madam Ntoso explained that while the Committee has reviewed the draft L.I., the next crucial step requires the Ministry to bring it to Parliament. Parliamentary approval of the L.I. is necessary to activate the provisions within the Act and allow the sector Ministry to fully implement its mandates.
She revealed that the Act provides for the establishment of a Gender Equity Committee. Once the L.I. is passed, this committee will be required to develop and present its action plan to address gender inequalities across the country.
“We are waiting for the Ministry to bring the L. I. to Parliament for its operationalisation,” she stated.
Quorum Concerns Addressed
In a related development, Madam Ntoso also addressed concerns about the potential for quorum issues in the upcoming session. The Minority in Parliament has signalled that they will not allow bills to be rushed through under certificates of urgency, suggesting that maintaining quorum could become a challenge given the heavy volume of business.
However, Madam Ntoso expressed confidence that such disruptions would be a thing of the past. Drawing on her experience as a fourth-term Member of Parliament, she acknowledged that first-term MPs often face logistical challenges, such as securing accommodation and transportation. She confirmed that those issues have now been resolved, ensuring that MPs can focus on the work of the House.
“The issue of quorum would be a thing of the past all those issues have been addressed and will no longer be an issue,” she assured.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com