IDEG Advocates for Mixed-Member Proportional Representation to Advance Implementation of Affirmative Action Law

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has urged the adoption of a mixed-member proportional representation (MMPR) system to ensure the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Law 2024.

Speaking at a high-level forum at the University for Development Studies, Mr Kwesi Jonah, Research Fellow for Advocacy and Institutional Relations at IDEG, highlighted the urgent need for electoral reforms to increase women’s representation, which currently stands at just 4 per cent at the district level.

“With the law targeting 30 per cent to 35 per cent women’s representation in 2026 and 2027 respectively, we must go beyond current electoral systems to achieve meaningful results,” he stated.

Mr Jonah emphasized that MMPR would enable political parties to nominate women through proportional lists, thereby advancing inclusive governance.

The forum also featured remarks from the Chief of Gukpegu, who lauded IDEG and NORSAAC for their grassroots activities. He noted that gender inequality is rooted more in societal beliefs than in culture, stressing the importance of intensive education and sensitization.

“We are grateful for the programmes led by IDEG and NORSAAC. I hope they continue because through these activities, people at the grassroots get to know what is happening in governance, he remarked.
Participants concluded with a call for the needed political will, and nationwide advocacy to translate the law into tangible change and meet Ghana’s gender equality commitments.

BY RAISSA SAMBOU