Female representation in Parliament remains at just 14.9%, far below the 30% target set under the Affirmative Action Law, the Member of Parliament for La Dade Kotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah has lamented.
Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, she noted that although the Affirmative Action Law was passed in 2024 to boost women’s participation in governance, progress has been slow.
“The Affirmative Action Law was passed in 2024, with a target of achieving 30% female representation in Parliament by 2026. As it stands, we are at 14.9%, which is still low,” the MP stated.
She acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts to encourage more women to participate in politics, reluctance remains a key challenge.
“Most of the time, women shy away. It’s partly their problem, but leadership also has a responsibility to see how best we can support and bring them up,” she said.
Rita Sowah also expressed concern about the low number of women in Parliament.
“When you look at chief executives in various organisations, most of them are women. But when it comes to administrative executive roles in Parliament, we have only 28 women,” she noted.
The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity Bill) was assented to in 2024 by former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
It seeks to promote women participation in all areas of society, including politics, economy, education, and social life, while simultaneously addressing gender inequality.
JKB/AE
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