President John Dramani Mahama has called for legislation to criminalise the practice of demanding romantic or sexual relationships in exchange for employment opportunities. He described this behaviour as unacceptable and emphasised the need for a firm response.
Speaking during an engagement at Adweso in Koforidua, which took place at the conclusion of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Eastern Region on Saturday, May 3, the President condemned the exploitative actions of some employers who allegedly require intimate relationships from women as a condition for securing jobs.
“One of the worst things, and I believe we should pass a bill to make it punishable, is when a male employer or hiring manager demands a romantic relationship in exchange for employment. This is unacceptable and must come to an end,” he stated. He stressed that such acts should attract severe legal sanctions, insisting that the government must take a firm stance against workplace exploitation and abuse.
“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 in public appointments by the end of 2028, we should achieve 50-50 parity. It is a tough call, but we will work at it,” he added.
Source: Patricia Boakye
