Mahama Calls for Law Against Sex-for-Jobs

Former President John Dramani Mahama wants a new law. This law would make it a crime to ask for romantic or sexual favors for a job. He stated this during a recent tour in Koforidua. Mr. Mahama spoke on Saturday, May 3. He was finishing a two-day visit to the Eastern Region.

Mr. Mahama strongly condemned employers who exploit job seekers. He said these individuals demand intimate relationships before offering work. This practice disproportionately affects women seeking employment. "One of the worst things, and I think we should pass a bill to make it punishable, is that sometimes if the employer or the person responsible for employing is a male, they demand some romantic relationship before they give them jobs. It is unacceptable. It must stop," he told a gathering. He believes such behavior needs serious legal punishment. Ghana cannot allow abuse and exploitation in workplaces. This statement comes as Ghana navigates economic challenges and seeks to improve employment conditions for its citizens. Economic stability remains a key concern, with many advocating for better job creation and protection for workers.

The President also discussed the Affirmative Action Act. This law aims to create better gender balance in public jobs. The government is committed to meeting its goals. "We already have the Affirmative Action law, which we are trying to apply," he said. "We are going to work to make sure that we achieve the targets. It says that by the end of 2028, we should achieve 50-50 parity. It is a tough call, but we will work at it." This reflects a broader push for equality in Ghana's economic and political landscape. Previous reports in 2025 highlighted concerns about gender disparities in leadership roles across various sectors. Achieving the 50-50 parity target by 2028 requires significant policy enforcement and corporate commitment. The economic implications of gender inequality are well-documented, often hindering productivity and innovation.

This proposal by Mr. Mahama directly addresses issues of worker exploitation and gender-based discrimination. It seeks to provide a legal framework to protect individuals from predatory employers. The call for criminalization is a strong statement against what he termed an unacceptable practice. Such legislative action, if passed, would necessitate clear definitions of coercion and establish penalties for offenders. The government's focus on the Affirmative Action Act as mentioned by the former president signals a recognition of the need for structured interventions to promote fairness. The economic impact of these practices includes reduced labor force participation and potential loss of skilled workers who face such barriers. The move is also seen in the context of improving Ghana's overall business environment and investor confidence, as fair labor practices are crucial for sustainable growth.

The call for a new law will likely prompt discussions on parliamentary debates and public consultations. Legislators will need to consider the scope of such a bill and how it will be enforced. Employers and human resource professionals will also need to be aware of the new regulations. The commitment to achieving gender parity by 2028 under the Affirmative Action Act also means that progress on this new proposed law will be closely watched. Successful implementation could lead to a safer and more equitable job market for all Ghanaians, potentially boosting morale and productivity. Investors and international bodies often scrutinize labor laws and their enforcement when assessing a country's economic and social progress.