The Affirmative Action Bill Coalition has clarified that the “one-man, one-woman marriage” comment made by Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, the Member of Parliament for Ada Constituency, does not pertain to the affirmative action bill or its primary objectives.
During her submissions on the bill on the floor of parliament on Friday, June 21, 2024, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe stated, “Nobody is going to take over from a man. Mr. Speaker the only thing that will achieve this equality is marriage. One man, one woman, that is all, in Ghana”.
This statement has sparked public controversy after the video surfaced on social media, with many expressing disappointment and suggesting that the MP’s comment reflects a lack of understanding of the bill’s issues.
In response, Sheila Minka-Premo (Esq.), the Convener of the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition, speaking to Citi News indicated that the bill is centered on equity and equality, not marriage.
She said, “I rather not comment on that because this law is not about that. This law is talking about ensuring women are in decision making position. It is not talking about family life. There are other laws that do that. The Affirmative Action, gender equality is ensuring equity, essentially equality in decision making position. We have the MP’s personal views, but this law is not about that.
Meanwhile, Sheila Minka-Premo (Esq.), described the progress made regarding the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill as slow but positive, with notable advancements in its stage.
This comes after the bill had its second reading in parliament on Friday, June 21, 2024, enabling it to move to the consideration stage.
Sheila Minka-Premo (Esq.) expressed optimism about the bill’s passage and argued that the constitution allows Parliament to pass laws addressing societal imbalances.
“The process was slow in coming but has been good so far. What we are saying is that there are a lot of justifications for the bill. A key one is the fact that the reality in Ghana is that women have been marginalised when it comes to their numbers in decision making position.
“Even though, the population show is that we have more women in Ghana than men. A classic example is what is happening at parliament. Out of 275 members of parliament only 40 are women.
“Article 17 clause 4 of the constitution says that where there is historical evidence of discrimination against one gender there is nothing wrong if parliament passes a law to bring in programs and policies to bring a balance,” she asserted.
The Affirmative Action Bill, when passed into law, will address the apparent marginalization of women in key decision-making spaces in Ghana by ensuring a representation of at least 30% of women in public life.
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