President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality, urging world leaders to “act with even greater resolve and innovation” in bridging the persistent gender gap.
Speaking at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing on Monday, October 13, an event attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Heads of State, Mahama emphasized that the Beijing Declaration remains more than a ceremonial promise.
“The Beijing Declaration was never just a statement of intent; it was a moral covenant. It was a recognition that no nation can truly progress if half of its population is left behind,” he said.
“Yet, as we review its implementation, persistent gaps and structural barriers continue to slow our collective march toward equality.
“We must therefore act with even greater resolve and innovation.”
Mahama further highlighted progress under his administration, noting that gender inclusion was deeply embedded in Ghana’s national development policies during his tenure as both President and African Union Champion for Gender and Women’s Empowerment.
“Under my leadership and in my capacity as the African Union Champion for Gender and Women’s Empowerment, the Government of Ghana has taken decisive steps to mainstream gender across its national development policies,” he stated.
He further cited several historic milestones, including the election of Ghana’s first female Vice President and the appointment of women to key leadership roles in government, the judiciary, the security services, and national institutions.
