Ghana advances gender parity in security forces, report finds

Ghana is making steady progress toward gender parity within its security services and peacekeeping operations, according to a report by the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA). The findings were presented by FOSDA Executive Director Theodora Williams-Anti during a stakeholder meeting in Accra regarding the evaluation of Ghana’s Second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (GHANAP II).

The report highlights significant developments in the country’s legal and institutional frameworks, including the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, and the National Gender Policy for 2025–2034. Other key advancements include the Armed Forces gender policy, Ghana Immigration’s gender and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) policy, and the ratification of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

Improvements in leadership and representation were also noted. Women currently head the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Prisons Service. Additionally, the Peace Council increased female representation on its 13-member Board from one to three, and the Ghana National Fire Service reported that the number of women in leadership positions rose from six to 12.