Social protection plays a crucial role in fostering inclusive development and safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, called for the need to enforce laws to remove Children from the Streets of Ghana.
She has outlined a comprehensive agenda to enhance gender equality, strengthen social protection systems, and provide support for abused women.
Speaking during a media engagement, she emphasized the importance of legislative backing and practical interventions to ensure sustainable impact. Her approach aims to institutionalize social protection policies and address the persistent challenges faced by marginalized groups.
A significant aspect of Hon. Lartey’s agenda is the push for the Social Protection Bill to be passed into law. She stressed the necessity of legal frameworks in institutionalizing social protection measures, ensuring they are treated as rights rather than privileges.
The passage of the bill will provide a stronger foundation for programs that support vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
“Most of [the laws] are there, but the implementation becomes an issue or a huge challenge. And so we are going to make sure that we rally around the issues that border us.’’
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
She noted that with legal backing, social protection programs could be better structured, resourced, and executed, preventing ad hoc or inconsistent policy implementation.
Establishing Shelters for Abused Women
As part of efforts to strengthen social protection, Hon. Lartey announced the construction of shelters for abused women.
This initiative, which aligns with the NDC’s manifesto promise, seek to provide safe spaces for victims and facilitate timely interventions.
“It’s a promise—16 shelters in 16 regions. And so very soon, you will see us on the ground, cutting sod and ensuring that this is realized.’’
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
These shelters will serve as centers where abused women can receive protection, counseling, medical assistance, and legal aid. By offering a structured and secure environment, the initiative aims to reduce the trauma and vulnerabilities associated with domestic and gender-based violence.
“It is one of the key processes to ensure that issues of abuse are rapidly responded to so that the victims are first protected, and then we look at how to handle or deal with the perpetrators.’’
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
In addition to providing safe spaces, the ministry plans to introduce rehabilitation programs within the shelters. These programs will focus on empowering victims through skill-building and financial literacy training, helping them reintegrate into society with confidence and independence.
Gender Equality and Social Welfare
Beyond the establishment of shelters, Hon. Lartey reaffirmed her ministry’s broader agenda of promoting gender equality and strengthening social welfare systems.
She emphasized the need for inclusive policies that prioritize marginalized groups, particularly women and children.
“The issues around gender equality, social protection… are priorities that we cannot afford to neglect.’’
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
Her administration aims to eliminate systemic barriers to social protection, ensuring that policies are effectively implemented. She assured that efforts would be made to institutionalize comprehensive social welfare programs that address the diverse needs of vulnerable populations.
She acknowledged that financial dependency often traps women in abusive relationships, making economic support a crucial aspect of gender equality. The government plans to provide funding, business training, and mentorship to enable women to achieve financial independence.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity
To address this, she proposed a review of existing institutions responsible for executing social protection programs. The ministry will work on building institutional capacity, ensuring that staff and resources are adequate to meet the demands of social welfare programs.
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey’s agenda reflects a strong commitment to strengthening social protection, addressing gender-based violence, and advancing equality. Her advocacy for the passage and implementation of the Social Protection Bill underscores the need for legislative backing in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The planned construction of shelters for abused women marks a significant milestone in the ministry’s commitment to timely intervention and support.
Through legal reform, institutional capacity building, and economic empowerment initiatives, Hon. Lartey aims to create a sustainable social protection framework that benefits all citizens.
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