Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, with the government allocating GHS 401 million in the 2026 national budget to capitalise the Women’s Development Bank.
The announcement was made during a High-Level Breakfast Meeting on Financing and Reaffirming Africa’s Gender Commitments held on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Assembly. The meeting was hosted by Ghana in its capacity as AU Champion for Gender.
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Addressing African leaders and stakeholders, Ghana stressed that gender equality is not only a moral obligation but also a critical economic strategy necessary for achieving sustainable development across the continent.
The government explained that the Women’s Development Bank will provide affordable credit, financial literacy training, and enterprise support, particularly targeting women engaged in informal and vulnerable sectors of the economy.
Ghana also highlighted major milestones achieved in advancing gender representation in governance, including the election of the country’s first female Vice President and increased female representation within government institutions and the judiciary.
As part of efforts to strengthen gender commitments across Africa, Ghana outlined a three-point call to action for African leaders. These include ensuring that by 2028, all AU member states adopt gender-responsive budgeting with clearly defined minimum allocations for gender equality.
Ghana further called on member states to urgently ratify and implement the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, supported by comprehensive national action plans.
Additionally, African leaders were urged to accelerate financial and economic inclusion policies to guarantee equal access to finance, assets, markets, and decent employment opportunities for women and young people.
Ghana also appealed to the nine remaining AU member states yet to ratify the Maputo Protocol to do so without delay. Member states were further encouraged to sign and ratify the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls before the end of 2026.
Ghana emphasised that investing in women remains a key driver of Africa’s development, urging African governments to move beyond policy commitments to measurable and impactful actions.
