The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, faced an embarrassing moment on the floor of Parliament when she struggled to recall the title of a specific Act within her ministry’s domain.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, asked the minister to state the title of the Act, but she seemed uncertain.
Initially, the minister mentioned the “Gender Affirmative Action Act, the Equity Act 2020”.
However, when the Speaker pressed her for clarification, she corrected herself, saying it was actually the “Affirmative Action Act, Act 2024”.
The Speaker then pointed out that the correct title was the “Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act 2024 Act.”
This exchange raises concerns about the minister’s grasp of her portfolio and her ability to effectively oversee the implementation of policies and programs within her ministry.
The Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act 2024 Act is a critical piece of legislation aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women in Ghana.
The Act aims to address systemic barriers that have hindered women in Ghanaian society, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The minister’s apparent confusion about the title of the Act may undermine efforts to implement the law and achieve its objectives.
As the head of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the minister needs to demonstrate a clear understanding of her portfolio and the laws that govern it.
The ministry’s mandate includes promoting gender equality, protecting children’s rights, and providing social protection to vulnerable populations.
The National Gender Policy, launched in 2015, outlines the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women.
The policy aims to address inequalities and promote women’s rights, leadership, and economic opportunities.
The ministry has also launched initiatives to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including the Orange Support Center and the Boame App.
These efforts demonstrate the ministry’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting women and children in Ghana.
However, the minister’s fumble over the specific Act raises questions about her ability to lead the ministry effectively.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
