President Nana Akufo-Addo has emphasized the importance of promoting gender equality and called upon Parliament to swiftly pass the Affirmative Action Bill (AABill) in his 2024 State of the Nation Address.
President Akufo-Addo underscored the government's commitment to gender equality, citing the approval of the revised National Gender Policy and the AABill by Cabinet in October 2023. He urged Parliament to support the speedy passage of the Affirmative Action Bill, currently under consideration.
Highlighting initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, President Akufo-Addo mentioned the Ghana Enterprises Agency's implementation of a program exclusively for women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises. This program aims to provide liquidity support to businesses owned by women, enabling them to scale up operations, increase sales, and create sustainable jobs.
Additionally, the President noted the implementation of the YouStart Programme, a youth empowerment initiative that recently disbursed GH¢100 million to three thousand young beneficiaries to help them expand their businesses.
President Akufo-Addo also outlined government interventions to support Persons with Disabilities (PWD). Last year, the government launched the GH¢12 million PWD Enterprise Support Programme, aimed at boosting micro, small, and medium enterprises owned by persons with disabilities. This grant support program, funded by the World Bank under the Ghana Transformative Project, seeks to empower PWD entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, the Youth Employment Agency has initiated an employment drive targeting 282 persons with disabilities, providing them with opportunities to work at toll booths.
The President's address reflects the government's dedication to fostering gender equality, supporting women entrepreneurs, empowering youth, and providing assistance to Persons with Disabilities. He urged Parliament to collaborate in advancing these initiatives for the benefit of all citizens.
