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President John Dramani Mahama has called for the introduction of a law to criminalize the practice of demanding romantic or sexual favors in exchange for employment, describing it as an unacceptable violation that must be addressed firmly.
Speaking during a town hall engagement at Adweso in Koforidua on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the conclusion of his two-day tour of the Eastern Region, the President was responding to concerns raised by a female student from Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua. The student highlighted gender inequality in the job market, noting that men are often favored over women in many workplaces. She pointed to Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey as an example of what women can achieve when given opportunities.
In his response, President Mahama emphasized the need for a strong stance against the practice. “One of the worst things we face is when employers, especially male employers, demand romantic relationships before offering jobs. This is unacceptable, and we need a law to deal with those who engage in such behavior,” he stated.
The President also reiterated his belief in the capabilities of women, asserting that they are equally qualified as their male counterparts. He cited his visits to road construction sites under the Big Push Programme, where he had encountered female engineers working as site engineers—a sight he described as admirable. “I find it very inspiring to see women excelling in those roles, and I always take pictures with them to encourage their efforts,” he shared.
Furthermore, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to achieving gender parity in public appointments by 2028, in line with the Affirmative Action law. “We are determined to meet the targets of the Affirmative Action law, which aims for 50-50 gender parity in public appointments by 2028. It’s a challenging goal, but we are committed to achieving it,” he concluded.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv