Accra:The Labor-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) program, part of the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project 2 (GPSNP2) under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, is providing on-site childcare services. This initiative aims to enable beneficiaries, especially women with young children, to engage more effectively in public works activities.
According to Ghana Web, the Ministry, with support from the Early Learning Partnership Trust Fund through the World Bank, has piloted the introduction of early childhood development learning and standards to improve childcare quality. The initiative, supported by MDF West Africa and the Early Childhood Development and Care Unit of the Department of Children, involved creating childcare arrangements and training personnel and caregivers.
Adwoa Boakyewaa Asotia-Boakye, the National Engineer, emphasized the significance of integrating childcare into public works planning and implementation. This support addresses barriers to women's participation and creates safer, more inclusive worksites.
Beneficiaries have expressed appreciation for the childcare support, noting its role in helping mothers balance caregiving with work participation. Feedback highlighted the importance of having childcare facilities near work locations.
Zonal Teams reported on implementation experiences, highlighting caregiver training, community involvement, and the need to expand early childhood development learning to all LIPW sites. National Coordinator Prof. Prosper B. Laari noted the pilot's success in reinforcing the need to address childcare responsibilities to enhance women's participation in public works.
Research and evaluations from the pilot have provided insights into implementing childcare support, informing future gender-responsive and inclusive social protection interventions in Ghana.