The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have committed to strengthening their longstanding partnership to advance child protection, gender equality and social protection in Ghana, following a meeting between the sector Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and UNICEF Representative to Ghana, Andy Brooks, at the Ministry.
The courtesy call provided an opportunity to discuss shared priorities and identify areas for deeper collaboration, with particular attention to violence against women and children, online safety, decentralised social services and early childhood development. The discussions also explored joint advocacy and possible high-level engagements to advance children’s rights.
“The collaboration will provide a platform for advancing children’s rights, promoting equal opportunities for women and girls, and strengthening support systems for vulnerable individuals and families.”
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
Mr Brooks underscored the importance of the Ministry’s mandate, describing child protection, gender equality and social protection as interconnected areas that contribute to the wellbeing and development of individuals and families.
Online child safety requires balanced approach
He commended Ghana for its political commitment to child protection and social protection, noting that these priorities feature prominently in the country’s national development agenda. He observed that integrating social protection into government development commitments provides a strong foundation for sustained cooperation.
However, the UNICEF Representative emphasised the need to build on existing relations through stronger technical collaboration, particularly as new challenges emerge. He identified violence against women and children, online abuse and the safety of children in digital spaces as areas requiring greater attention.
In her remarks, Dr Lartey highlighted the importance of closer cooperation with UNICEF in addressing concerns surrounding children’s access to social media and the need for appropriate regulatory measures to protect them online.
Ministry seeks stronger decentralised social services
The Minister stressed that safeguarding children in digital environments should not prevent them from benefiting from technology. Instead, she called for a balanced approach that protects children from online risks while preserving the educational and developmental opportunities available through digital platforms.
Dr Lartey also called for stronger collaboration to improve social service delivery at the decentralised level. She emphasised the importance of better coordination between the Ministry and relevant local government structures to ensure that social welfare interventions and child protection services reach communities effectively, particularly those requiring greater support.
The discussions extended beyond national policy commitments to the structures responsible for delivering services within communities. Improved coordination between the Ministry and local government institutions was identified as an important area for continued cooperation.
Early childhood development and education integration
On Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Dr Lartey underscored the need to mainstream early childhood development into Ghana’s education system. She called for early learning, care and development to receive the necessary attention within the country’s educational framework.
She noted that stronger institutional integration and collaboration would be critical to ensuring that children receive the support and opportunities required for their holistic development.
The two institutions explored opportunities for joint advocacy and high-level engagements to advance children’s rights. One proposal considered was Ghana’s possible hosting of the 2027 launch of the African Union-UNICEF publication, State of Africa’s Children, during the country’s presidency of the African Union.
They also discussed possible collaboration towards the commemoration of World Children’s Day, with emphasis on promoting meaningful participation by children in discussions and decisions affecting their lives.
Ghana considers hosting 2027 African Union UNICEF launch
The proposed engagements would provide opportunities to sustain public attention on children’s rights and encourage children’s involvement in matters concerning their wellbeing. The possible hosting of the publication’s launch was discussed as a proposal, rather than a confirmed arrangement.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to building on their longstanding relationship through enhanced technical cooperation, policy engagement and coordinated interventions. Their discussions covered child protection, gender equality, social protection, online safety, decentralised services and early childhood development.
“ We are committed to deepening cooperation in developing effective child protection measures, advancing gender equality and ensuring that social protection interventions reach those who need them most.”
UNICEF Representative to Ghana, Andy Brooks
The meeting reflected a recognition that protecting children requires action across areas of public policy. While UNICEF highlighted threats in digital spaces and violence, the Minister drew attention to the systems that deliver welfare and early learning support.
These priorities connect prevention, protection and development, requiring institutions to work together rather than address each concern in isolation. For the Ministry, engagement with UNICEF offers an avenue to strengthen policy discussions and coordinate interventions.
For UNICEF, the engagement provides an opportunity to support national priorities through technical cooperation and advocacy. The discussions placed children’s participation at the centre of World Children’s Day activities, recognising their role in decisions affecting lives.
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