Ghana Launches Revised National Gender Policy to Accelerate Gender Equality

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has launched the Revised National Gender Policy (2025–2034), a new national framework aimed at advancing gender equality and promoting inclusive development in Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the policy as a transformative roadmap that outlines Ghana’s vision of a fair and equitable society where women and men, girls and boys have equal access to opportunities, resources and decision-making processes.

According to the Minister, achieving gender equality is not only a moral responsibility but also a critical development strategy necessary for strengthening economic growth, social cohesion and national progress.

She explained that the revised policy provides renewed direction for integrating gender considerations into all sectors of governance and national development planning. She stressed that effective implementation, gender-responsive budgeting and clear accountability mechanisms would be key to ensuring the policy produces tangible benefits for women and girls across the country.

The policy, which covers the period from 2025 to 2034, outlines six major objectives. These include promoting women’s empowerment and livelihoods, improving access to justice, strengthening women’s leadership and accountable governance, expanding economic opportunities, transforming unequal gender relations and ensuring protection for women and vulnerable groups during emergencies and humanitarian situations.

It also reinforces the implementation of key legislative frameworks such as the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.

In her remarks, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, emphasised that the successful implementation of the policy would depend on strong institutional coordination, adequate funding and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

She noted that the Ministry would continue to lead efforts to mainstream gender equality across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, urging all institutions to incorporate the policy’s commitments into their sector plans and performance frameworks.

The launch brought together a wide range of national stakeholders, including members of Parliament, representatives of the Judiciary, traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community and development partners such as the United Nations and ActionAid..

Development partners commended the Ministry for the inclusive consultation process that guided the revision of the policy and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting its implementation.

The Revised National Gender Policy (2025–2034) is expected to serve as Ghana’s overarching policy framework for institutionalising gender equality within national governance and development planning.