President Mahama champions gender equality as key driver of Africa’s development

Ghana is taking a leading role in promoting gender equality across Africa, with a strong focus on empowering women and girls. Speaking at the African Union (AU) Summit, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama emphasised that advancing gender parity is a shared responsibility and a critical component of Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development.

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s achievements in advancing gender equality, including:

Allocating $40 million to the Women’s Development Bank to support women entrepreneurs and initiatives.

Achieving gender parity in school enrollment nationwide.

Strengthening institutions that provide support and protection for women.

Enacting the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, which includes binding targets for women’s participation across sectors.

In his call to action, President Mahama urged the AU to adopt gender-responsive budgeting, fully implement the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, and accelerate financial inclusion initiatives for women and youth.

He also encouraged the private sector to align financing with African development priorities and to recognise gender equality as not only a moral imperative but also a smart investment that drives economic growth.