A heated debate unfolded in Parliament over the scope of the Affirmative Action Bill, with only 10 of 40 female Members of Parliament participating in the initial discussion on gender equality.

The attending MPs were Gender Minister Dakoa New Man, Helen Adjoa Ntorsu (Krachi West), Rita Odaley Sowah (La Dade Kotopong), Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah (Salaga South), Patricia Appiah Agyei (Asokwa) and Elizabeth Ajare (Techiman North).

The rest are Betty Krosby Mensah (Afram Plains North), Sofia Ackuaku (Dome Abra-Obom), Dorcas Torffey (Jomoro), and Abla Dzifa Gomashie (Ketu South).

The session saw intense debate on whether the bill should be exclusively dedicated to gender equality or address broader issues of disadvantage.

MP for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, argued for a wider scope.

"In society, the term Affirmative Action is aimed at addressing the needs of all disadvantaged people. Therefore, our approach should not be limited to gender alone,” the Asawase MP argued.

In contrast, Former Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, and Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, emphasised that this bill, like other specialised laws such as the Disability Act and the Children Act, should remain focused on gender.

“Just as we have specific legislation for different minority or disadvantaged groups, this Bill should be dedicated solely to Gender and Gender Equality,” Mr. Ayariga stated.

The House ultimately reached a consensus, agreeing that the Affirmative Action Bill will focus solely on gender equality, setting the stage for further discussions and legislative action.