Bolgatanga: Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has reiterated that social protection remains an indispensable tool for achieving sustainable and inclusive development. She emphasised that countries that had successfully reduced poverty and inequality did so through deliberate investments in robust social protection systems and programmes.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Lartey made these remarks in a speech read on her behalf by Ms Francisca Atuluk, Director of Social Protection at the Ministry, during a community dialogue on social protection held in Dachio, Bolgatanga East District. The Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring every Ghanaian can live a life of dignity free from deprivation and exclusion, as demonstrated by the passage of the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148).
The Act provides a legal framework for coordinating social protection services nationwide, aiming to build a more inclusive and resilient society. Despite Ghana's progress in reducing poverty and improving access to social services, Dr Lartey acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, who continue to experience poverty and exclusion.
To address these issues, the Government is strengthening social protection interventions and enhancing public engagement and advocacy. Dr Lartey noted that many in rural and remote communities lack access to information about programmes designed to improve their wellbeing. Therefore, the Government is collaborating with traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, local assemblies, development partners, and the media to ensure interventions reach those in need.
The Minister highlighted several Government initiatives, including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, School Feeding Programme, disability support initiatives, free sanitary pads for schoolgirls, free primary healthcare, the 'No Fees Stress' policy for tertiary students, and the Mahama Cares initiative, all aimed at uplifting vulnerable people from poverty.
Mr Frank Kwame Kontoh, Senior Programmer at the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service, explained that the dialogue was intended to equip communities with information on social protection interventions. Meanwhile, Mr Jacob Abugri Aka-Eri, Bolgatanga East District Chief Executive, described social protection as critical for promoting inclusion and reducing inequalities, highlighting ongoing challenges like teenage pregnancy and domestic violence.
The dialogue, which brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations, also featured activities such as free registration of residents onto the National Health Insurance Scheme to improve healthcare access for vulnerable individuals. Naba Thomas Akalga II, Chief of Dachio, commended the Ministry for enhancing community awareness and pledged support for the implementation of social protection programmes.