Ghana’s Private Sector Steps Up Action Ahead of 30% Female Representation Target

The UN Global Compact Network Ghana has convened a policy dialogue to mobilize government, business, development partners and civil society to speed up action on closing gender gaps in leadership and the workplace, as Ghana enters the final six months before key provisions of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, 2024 (Act 1121) take effect.

Convened as a follow-up to the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in March 2026, participants at the dialogue focused on turning global commitments on women’s rights into practical action within Ghana’s private sector and assessed the country’s readiness to meet the Act’s requirement of achieving at least 30% female representation in management and decision-making positions by December 2026.

Discussions revealed a significant gap between policy commitments and the current state of women's representation in corporate leadership. According to the 2024 Ghana Board Diversity Index, women hold only 24 percent of board seats in listed companies, while 14 percent of firms continue to operate with all-male boards.

With just 180 days remaining before the compliance deadline, stakeholders called on businesses to move beyond statements of support and implement concrete measures to increase women's representation, strengthen inclusive workplace policies and build leadership pipelines for female talent.

A panel featuring representatives from Arla Foods, Fidelity Bank Ghana, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Gender Equity Secretariat of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection shared practical insights on advancing gender equality in the workplace.

Fidelity Bank Ghana highlighted its efforts to increase women's representation in leadership through mentorship programmes, talent development initiatives and succession planning. Ghana Manganese Company shared how it is expanding opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector through targeted recruitment, skills development and workplace inclusion programmes. Cyberteq Falcon Ltd. also outlined measures being implemented to improve gender balance in the technology and cybersecurity industry and position the company to meet the 30 percent target.

Participants noted that these experiences demonstrate that the target is both achievable and beneficial for organisational performance. They observed that companies investing in female talent, leadership development and inclusive workplace cultures are making steady progress while strengthening overall business outcomes.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Ms Marian Kpakpah, said, “Real transformation occurs when institutions change their culture, when policies translate into action, and when equality becomes embedded within organisational systems and practices.”

The Deputy Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Ghana, Dr Emmily Naphambo, called on the private sector to play a leading role in advancing gender equality.

“The private sector must transition from being a passive observer of gender legislation to becoming an active driver of it,” she said. “True sustainability requires corporate leadership that intentionally dismantles systemic barriers, designs supportive work-life infrastructure, and actively promotes women to decision-making boards.”

The dialogue also examined the implications of the Affirmative Action Act, which has shifted gender equality from a voluntary corporate responsibility issue to a legal and regulatory requirement. Participants discussed the forthcoming Gender Equity Compliance Certificate and other accountability mechanisms that will support implementation and compliance.

Stakeholders further explored how gender-responsive policies can strengthen Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, enhance corporate reputation and improve access to investment opportunities.

Supported by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the dialogue is expected to inform a sector readiness report and policy recommendations to support the effective implementation of the legislation.

Passed by Parliament in July 2024 and assented to in September 2024, the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act, 2024 (Act 1121) requires a minimum of 30 percent female representation in decision-making roles by 2026 and sets a pathway towards full gender parity by 2034. The Act also mandates gender-responsive budgeting in public institutions and provides legal remedies for victims of gender-based discrimination.