Mahama prides in Ghana’s women’s empowerment record

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed satisfaction with government’s efforts in the promotion of women’s development in the country.

Addressing the United Nation’s 69th General Assembly on Thursday, September 25, President Mahama reminded leaders of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the widely known Beijing Conference of 1995.

“I would like to note, with pride, that [2015] will also mark the 40th anniversary of Ghana’s establishment of the National Council on Women and Development, which has since been renamed the Department of Gender,” he stated.

He said Ghana’s effort to empower women is a long-held commitment which his administration is carrying on.

“[My] administration boasts one of the highest numbers of women appointed to public office in the history of Ghana,” President Mahama told the over 190 members of the Assembly.

“Seven of our Cabinet Ministers are women, as are the holders of several senior public service positions—and I hope the fact that they are too numerous to list is an indication that we are reaching toward the ideal.”

He further indicated that Ghana is not relenting in efforts at this drive – which forms the core tenet of Millennium Development Goal Three.

The Intestate Succession Bill and the Property Rights of Spouses Bill before Parliament are efforts to promote gender equality, according to Ghana’s president.

“Also in existence are several other pieces of legislation designed to offer protection and empowerment of women such as the Domestic Violence Act, the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, an Affirmative Action Bill, and a Gender Policy.”