The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, outlined a comprehensive strategy to empower women and strengthen social protection systems in Ghana during a meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs). Central to this strategy is the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, a pivotal institution designed to provide tailored financial solutions and flexible payment terms specifically for women entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to address the unique financial challenges faced by women in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, fostering economic growth and promoting women’s financial independence. The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with CSOs, recognizing their expertise and invaluable contributions to national development. She reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with these organizations to improve the lives of all Ghanaians.
Dr. Lartey highlighted President Mahama’s focus on vulnerability reduction as a core governmental priority. This commitment translates into concrete actions aimed at bolstering existing social protection systems and developing new initiatives to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations. The Minister underscored the government’s proactive approach, announcing plans to conduct firsthand assessments of challenges faced by beneficiaries and stakeholders, using this information to inform improvements to social protection programs. This initiative aligns perfectly with the administration’s commitment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring no one is left behind. The focus on direct engagement showcases a dedication to evidence-based policymaking and responsive governance.
The passage of the Affirmative Action Act marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of gender equality. Dr. Lartey commended the CSOs for their instrumental role in advocating for this landmark legislation. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the Act’s full and effective implementation, emphasizing its potential to transform gender dynamics and create a more equitable society. Furthermore, the Minister pledged to review and update other outdated policies, bringing them in line with current social trends and international best practices. Modernizing the legislative framework will further solidify Ghana’s commitment to uphold women’s rights, thereby ensuring a more inclusive and just society.
One of the most significant announcements made by the Minister was President Mahama’s commitment to introduce free tertiary education for persons with disabilities. This groundbreaking initiative recognizes the importance of accessible and inclusive education as a fundamental right. Dr. Lartey revealed that the Ministry is actively collaborating with the Ministers of Finance and Education to develop a concrete implementation plan for this transformative policy within the first 120 days of the current administration. Providing free tertiary education to persons with disabilities demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges they face and a sincere commitment to fostering their full participation in all aspects of society.
The meeting facilitated a crucial dialogue between government officials and representatives from a diverse range of CSOs, including Wildaf, Netright, Abantu for Development, Ghana Women Forum, GenCED, Women Media and Change, Free the Slaves, Engage Now Africa, and Expertise France. This assembly of key stakeholders fostered a collaborative environment, laying the foundation for future partnerships and joint initiatives. The gathering provided an opportunity for the Minister to formally introduce herself to the CSOs, establishing open communication channels and building rapport.
The primary objectives of the engagement were to forge stronger collaborative relationships between the Ministry and CSOs and to enhance joint efforts in key areas of mutual interest. These areas encompass child and social protection, vulnerability reduction, women’s empowerment, and legislative advancements. By fostering a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, the meeting aimed to create a synergistic approach to tackling complex social issues and achieving meaningful progress toward a more just and equitable society for all Ghanaians. The involvement of international organizations like Expertise France highlights the global recognition of Ghana’s efforts in these areas and the potential for international collaboration to further enhance their impact.
