Where Are the Women? Closing Ghana’s Gender Gap in Leadership
This blog was written by Sandra Adjin, Research Assistant, ESSA
Introduction
In Ghana, women represent most of the population, making up 50.7% (GSS,2021). Yet men continue to dominate leadership roles across most sectors. In recent years, the government has increased efforts to boost girls’ enrolment in schools — aiming to educate and equip them with the skills needed to realise their dreams, just like their male counterparts.
In 2019, according to the Education Sector Performance Report (ESPR), female enrollment in secondary schools increased to 48.0% in the 2018/2019 academic year, up from 47.6% in the 2017/2018 academic year. Even with such strides being made, there still appears to be a preference for male leadership in many institutions, including the political sector.
ESSA’s State of Women Leading Report (2021) reveals a strong desire for leadership among women across sectors. Among those surveyed, 86% of those in government institutions, universities, and colleges expressed aspirations to take on leadership roles. This figure was even higher in the private sector, with 88% aiming for leadership positions. These figures indicate women’s persistent ambition for leadership.
Despite efforts to involve more women in leadership, progress remains limited.
The passage of the Affirmative Action Act by the Ghanaian Parliament in 2024 was a major step toward addressing gender inequalities. This Act aimed to address historical and systemic inequalities, particularly gender disparities, by promoting equal political, social, and economic opportunities and ensuring the equal representation of women in leadership roles. It proposes a minimum of 30% representation of women in all public decision-making bodies by 2026 and 30–50% female participation by 2030.
However, despite the passage of this Act, women remain underrepresented in parliament. Following the December 2024 elections and the enactment of the Act, many expected to see greater representation of women in governance. Out of 276 Parliamentary seats, women occupy only 41 seats, a mere 14.9% (Parliament of Ghana,2025). Azumah (2024) revealed that a shockingly low 4.1% were also elected as assembly members in 2023.
Ghanaian women continue to lag in ministerial positions, with only 8 women serving as ministers out of 43 (18.6%) (Frimpong, 2025) and only 4 out of 17 (23.5%) as deputy ministers (Damalie,2025; Korankye, 2025 ). These numbers sadly fall short of the UN benchmark of 30% female representation in decision-making positions. Only four women, with the Vice President included, make up 33.3% of the 12-member cabinet of Ghana (The Presidency,2025).
Rwanda, on the other hand, tells a different story. Following the country’s 2024 general elections, women now hold 51 out of 80 seats (63.8%) in the Chamber of Deputies in parliament and 14 out of 26 seats (53.8%) in the senate (Parliament of Rwanda,2025). Women make up 35.3% of Rwanda’s 34-member cabinet (Government of Rwanda,2025). These outcomes are the result of strong legal frameworks, political will, and institutional reforms aimed at advancing gender equality.
In contrast, Ghana continues to lag. Progress towards gender parity in politics is hindered by weak legal enforcement, cultural barriers, and political inertia. The lack of a binding legislated gender quota in parliament or within political parties, combined with the ineffective implementation of the Affirmative Action Act or gender policies, continues to stall progress.
Additionally, cultural norms, a lack of support structures, and high campaign costs also constrain women’s political participation. Female politicians in Ghana often face discrimination, harassment, and a lack of financial and institutional backing. Political parties tend to favour male candidates, as there is the perception that men are more likely to win elections.
This underrepresentation of women is not limited to politics – it extends into academia and leadership more broadly. According to ESSA’s State of Women Leading Report (2021), the gender gap in higher education leadership across sub-Saharan Africa remains significant. In Ghana, women account for just 8% of professors, while in Nigeria, they hold only 17% of university principal officer positions.
Regionally, this disparity is even more pronounced, with women holding a mere 2.5% of vice-chancellor positions and 5% of CEO roles in higher education institutions. According to UNESCO (2019), women comprise only 24% of academic staff in tertiary education across the region, underscoring the systemic underrepresentation of women in educational and leadership roles.
Yet, despite these low numbers, there are signs of progress – albeit slow. Between 2009–2013, Ghana had its first female Speaker of Parliament. In January 2025, history was made when Ghana inaugurated its first female Vice President. Increasing women’s representation in leadership is not only a matter of equality – it is crucial to ensuring women’s interests are well-reflected in decision-making and for the wider development of society.
Policies, mentorship, and institutional reforms should be focused on promoting women's advancement in leadership. Most importantly, transforming mindsets about gender and leadership is critical for achieving genuine equality (ESSA, 2021). It is time for Ghana to turn policy into practice. Institutions, civil society, and political parties must work together to unlock the full potential of women in leadership.
References
Education Sector Performance Report (2019). Ministry of Education
Education Sub Saharan Africa (2021). The State of Women Leading Report.
Ghana Statistical Service (2021). The Population and Housing Census.
The State of Women Leading Report | ESSA
https://www.essa-africa.org/node/976
Gender representation in Ghana’s political landscape
https://www.gov.rw/government/legislature/senate
https://www.parliament.gov.rw/women-representation
https://presidency.gov.gh/president-nominates-13-deputy-ministers/
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