President John Dramani Mahama has called for the introduction of legislation to criminalise the practice of demanding romantic or sexual relationships in exchange for employment opportunities.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Koforidua at the end of a two-day tour of the Eastern Region, Mr Mahama described the phenomenon as unacceptable and urged decisive legal action to address it.
His remarks came in response to a question from a female student who highlighted persistent gender inequality in the job market, noting that women with equal qualifications are often sidelined. She pointed to the need for stronger protections to ensure fairness in recruitment processes.
Mr Mahama agreed with the concerns raised, stating that the exploitation of job seekers through sexual demands is one of the most troubling forms of workplace abuse. He emphasized that individuals who engage in such conduct should face strict legal consequences.
He further stressed that women are equally capable of excelling in all sectors of the economy and called for a shift in societal attitudes. Drawing from his observations during visits to infrastructure project sites, he noted the growing presence of women in technical roles, including engineering, as a positive sign of progress.
The former president also reiterated his commitment to promoting gender equality in public service. He referenced the government’s goal of achieving equal representation of men and women in public appointments by 2028, describing it as an ambitious but necessary target.
According to him, enforcing existing gender policies alongside introducing new legal measures will help create a safer and more equitable environment for women seeking employment.
The proposed legislation, if enacted, would mark a significant step in addressing workplace exploitation and reinforcing ethical standards in recruitment practices across the country.
