Post-Passage Discourse Analysis of Ghana's Affirmative Action Bill: Media Representations and Public Reactions

Abstract

This paper conducts a discourse analysis of the
Affirmative Action Bill passed by the Parliament of
Ghana on July 30, 2024, and received presidential
assent on September 19, 2024. The legislation aims to
address gender disparities and enhance women's
participation in governance. Using Critical Discourse
Analysis (CDA) and Feminist Theory, the study
examines public and media reactions, revealing themes
of celebration, skepticism, political will, cultural
resistance, and economic implications. It situates these
discussions within the framework of international
gender equality protocols, particularly the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
focusing on gender equality. The findings highlight the
complex socio-political dynamics and cultural attitudes
affecting gender equality discourse in Ghana. The
research emphasizes the importance of sustained
political commitment, public education, and
institutional readiness for effective implementation of
the bill, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the
challenges and opportunities in advancing gender
equality through legislative means in Ghana.