s3, Affirmative Action Policy The government recently approved recommendations on Affirmative Action and subsequently announced the setting up of a Committee on Affirmative Action. The Affirmative Action strategy seeks enhance women's representation in the "centres of relevance" and their effective contribution to the development and implementation of policies. Among other things, the policy aims at redressing the significant systemic and historic gender imbalance in the representation of the sexes in the political and administrative spheres of the nation. The Affirmative Action policy represents a greater commitment to social justice and fairness; it signifies recognition of the invaluable contribution women make to society and can make better if given the opportunity. It seeks to ensure appropriate representation of women on all advisory bodies; appointment of more women into government and to serve on Public Boards, Commissions, Councils, Committees and official bodies, including cabinet and the council of state. It is envisaged that, lb the medium and long term, women's representation on the above advisory boards would increase to a minimum of 40%. Furthermore, 30% of the seats in the (District and Sub-districts Assemble are to be alloted to women to ensure adequate representation in local government admii.istration. Politically, government has tasked the Electoral Commission to encourage political parties to put up more women as parliamentary candidates. The National Council on Women and Development (NCWD) is being strengthened and resourced adequately to promote women's rights, including the realization of Programmes focused on uplifting the Ghanaian women. Various women-centred NGOs, such as the 31st DWM and FIDA run programmes to supplement the efforts of the NCWD.