Government Response to Gender Inequality in Ghana’s Fourth Republic (2001-2016)

ABSTRACT

The study sought to investigate government responses to gender inequality in Ghana‟s Fourth Republic from 2001-2016 using the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs/Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection as a case for the study. It further examined how government has responded to gender issues in the Fourth Republic with specific reference from 2001-2016 and subsequently assessed gender policy measures Governments have put in place to address gender inequality issues from 2001-2016. The study went on to examine the extent to which Governments have implemented gender policies with the formation of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs from 2001-2016 and further evaluated the work of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection from 2013-2016 in addressing gender inequality. The mixed method methodology with the use of a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide were employed to collect the participants‟ data for. Fifty-one (51) members of parliament were sampled for the quantitative data whilst interviewees from academia, civil society groups and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection were also sampled for the qualitative data.

At the end of the study, it was found out that government of the Fourth Republic has responded positively from 2001-2016 as far as gender issues in the country are concerned. The study further established that each and every government has structured some gender policy measures to address gender inequality issues from 2001-2016. Moreover, it was found out that government has done remarkably well in implementing some of the policies and measures after the creation of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs from 2001-2016.

On the evaluation of the work of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection from 2013-2016 in addressing gender inequality issues, the study found out that the Ministry has xii done a lot in addressing gender issues in the country during the years under review. On the constraining factors that hinder gender equality issues in the country, the study found a number of constraining factors that hinder the quest to promote and ensure gender equality in the country but the two outstanding ones are cultural practices and inadequate budgetary allocations resulting in financial challenges. The study finally made some suggestion to government, the Ministry and all stakeholders in gender issues on the best way that will help in addressing and achieving the goal of gender equality that has eluded the nation for so many years now.