Ghanian President John Dramani Mahama has called for legislation to criminalise the demand for romantic or sexual relationships in exchange for employment.
Speaking during a town hall meeting at Adweso in Koforidua on Saturday , May 2, 2026, at the end of his Eastern Region tour, he described the practice as “unacceptable” and urged firm legal action.
His remarks followed a question from a female student who highlighted gender discrimination in the job market, noting that equally qualified women are often overlooked. She also pointed to Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey as an example of women’s potential when given opportunities.
President Mahama agreed, stressing that women are equally capable and calling for a shift in societal attitudes. He cited his observations of female engineers working on road projects under the Big Push programme as encouraging signs of progress.
He further reiterated his government’s commitment to gender equality, aiming for 50-50 representation in public appointments by 2028 under the Affirmative Action framework.
“It is a tough call,” he said, “but we will work at it.”
