The Legislative Instrument (LI) for the Affirmative Action Act will be submitted to Parliament in 2026 as part of efforts to deepen gender equality and protection, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced. The LI is expected to provide the technical and administrative framework necessary for implementing the broader law.
Dr Forson, presenting the 2026 Budget Speech on behalf of government under the theme “Resetting for Growth, Jobs and Economic Transformation,” said the Cabinet had also approved a revised National Gender Policy to strengthen inclusion and women’s empowerment.
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The Minister highlighted key achievements of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, including sensitising 5,297 people on teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence, providing care to 237 children in correctional centres, and offering welfare services to 45 elderly persons and more than 3,000 vulnerable citizens.
To further address inequality, Dr Forson noted that the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148) was passed, with its accompanying Legislative Instrument currently being finalised. He also reported that 135 victims of human trafficking received trauma-informed care, while awareness campaigns reached 770 stakeholders nationwide.
Additionally, the revised Domestic Violence Policy has been approved to strengthen survivor protection and improve access to justice, reinforcing government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting gender equity.
