Affirmative Action Advocate Backs Mahama’s Push to Criminalise ‘Sex‑for‑Jobs’ Exploitation

Sheila Minkah‑Premo, Convener of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, has thrown her full support behind President John Dramani Mahama’s call for a dedicated law to punish employers who demand sex in exchange for jobs, promotions or salary payments.

She argues that although Ghana’s legal framework contains provisions on sexual harassment, none of the existing laws — including the 1992 Constitution, the Labour Act, the Criminal Offences Act and the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act — adequately protects victims, especially those seeking employment.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Thursday, May 21, Mrs Minkah‑Premo said she “would not mind joining any advocacy that criminalises sexual harassment,” endorsing the President’s proposal made during a town hall meeting in Adweso, Koforidua, as part of his “Resetting Ghana Tour.”

The Managing Consultant of ALC Law Consult described the “Sex‑for‑Jobs” phenomenon as deeply demoralising, particularly for young women entering the job market. She stressed that the practice not only exploits vulnerable jobseekers but also deprives the country of competent talent.

“It robs victims of the opportunity to gain employment and denies Ghana the right to have the best‑qualified people,” she said.

Mrs Minkah‑Premo noted that while Article 17(2) of the Constitution prohibits discrimination, it does not directly address sexual exploitation in employment. She added that Section 15(b) of the Labour Act protects only those already employed, leaving prospective workers exposed.

She further explained that provisions on rape, indecent assault and gender‑based discrimination under the Criminal Offences Act and the Affirmative Action Act do not sufficiently cover the specific dynamics of “Sex‑for‑Jobs” exploitation.

“If you look at all these laws, you can see that even though there are provisions that you can try to use, we do not really have specific laws as the one His Excellency the President is calling for,” she said.

While backing the call for new legislation, she urged Parliament to simultaneously strengthen existing laws. She also appealed to Christian and Muslim leaders, civil society organisations and the media to support efforts to eliminate the practice.

---- GNA