BILATERAL MEETING BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA AND REPUBLIC OF SERBIA ON FAMILY AND CHILD PROTECTION

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has held a bilateral meeting with the Serbian Minister for Family Welfare and Demography, Jelena Zaric Kovacevic, on the margins of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation and exchange experiences on family systems, child protection, population management and social protection policies.

In her opening remarks, Hon. Jelena Zaric Kovacevic welcomed the Ghanaian delegation and noted that the meeting was an opportunity for both countries to learn from each other and exchange ideas on family systems and population-related issues. She emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing social challenges affecting families and children.

Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey in her presentation, highlighted that Ghana traditionally operates an extended family system, which has long served as a strong support network for families. However, she noted that interest in the nuclear family structure is gradually emerging due to changing social and economic conditions. She further explained that population issues in Ghana are being addressed through various interventions and legal frameworks aimed at promoting family welfare and sustainable development.

The Minister also outlined several policies, programmes, and interventions being implemented by the Government of Ghana to promote child protection and social protection. Key among them include:

* Revised Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy

* National Care Reform Roadmap (2024-2028)

* National Child and Family Welfare Policy

* National Gender Policy and

* Social Protection Act

She emphasized that the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection plays a coordinating role in ensuring that social protection programmes reach vulnerable populations.

On her part, Hon. Kovacevic highlighted the importance of adopting an inter-sectoral approach in addressing family and child protection issues. She explained that in Serbia, the Ministry works closely with other institutions, including the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Education, to effectively address social protection concerns.

She also noted that while financial resources are important, effective measures should not rely solely on financial interventions, but also on strong policies, coordination and social programmes.

Both Ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration between their Ministries on issues relating to family and child protection. They also agreed to explore capacity-building opportunities for social welfare professionals and enhance data systems to support evidence-based policymaking and effective implementation of social protection programmes.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange experiences and explore areas of cooperation in promoting family welfare, child protection and social protection.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and collaboration.

The Hon. Minister from the Republic of Serbia used the opportunity to invite Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey to participate in an international conference scheduled for December 2026 in Serbia to share Ghana’s experiences in family systems and social protection.

Source: MoGCSP