Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Sets 2026 Target for Affirmative Action as First Lady and Cabinet Advance Gender and Green Agendas

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for a strategic partnership with the media to drive the effective implementation of Ghana’s Affirmative Action Act. Speaking at a sensitization program, Dr. Lartey outlined a clear roadmap for gender inclusion, targeting 30% women’s representation in leadership roles by 2026, with the goal of reaching 50% by 2030. She emphasized that the law is not merely a gender issue but a critical pillar for national development that benefits all marginalized groups. Dr. Charity Binka and other advocates joined the call, urging media practitioners to challenge stereotypes and monitor compliance to ensure the law translates into tangible social change.

Complementing these domestic legislative efforts, First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama has elevated the discourse on women's empowerment to the global stage. Addressing an Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) event in New York, the First Lady urged African leaders to prioritize investments in resilient healthcare systems, education, and economic opportunities for women. She specifically highlighted the importance of integrating maternal care with HIV prevention and other essential services, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to global partnerships that secure the health and rights of women and children across the continent.

In the environmental sector, Dr. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, has urged for the intentional preservation and expansion of green spaces in urban areas. During the closing of the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show in Accra, the Minister linked environmental sustainability directly to public health and economic growth. She encouraged stakeholders to explore plant-based solutions to climate challenges and urged current leaders to protect parks and gardens as a legacy for future generations. The event, supported by Stratcomm Africa and the Tree Crops Development Authority, underscored the growing importance of horticulture in Ghana's development strategy.

Adding to the political discourse, popular rapper and activist Okyeame Kwame recently voiced strong support for female leadership, stating his readiness to campaign for a woman in a presidential race. He argued that women often bring a higher level of accountability to public office. Meanwhile, the office of Madina MP Dr. Francis-Xavier Sosu has assured the public of his steady recovery after he fainted during a leadership lecture at GIMPA. These events collectively reflect a period of active advocacy and reform in Ghana, as the government and civil society push for more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable national progress.