BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER VISITS GENDER MINISTER TO DEEPEN COLLABORATION

H.E. Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, led a delegation from the British High Commission on a working visit to the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.

The visit was aimed at exploring avenues for strengthening collaboration between the Ministry and the British High Commission, with a focus on promoting inclusion, advancing gender equality, and deepening existing bilateral ties.

Madam Thompson reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ghana’s development, stating that empowering women and protecting the vulnerable are central to sustainable progress. She expressed readiness to support the Ministry’s initiatives in this regard.

Discussions centered on the implementation of the newly passed Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, enhancing social protection interventions, and rolling out the National Care Reform Roadmap—a key initiative aimed at transforming Ghana’s child welfare and alternative care system.

There was also dialogue on the proposed Witchcraft Accusation Bill, which aims to address and eliminate harmful practices and protect victims of witchcraft-related abuse.

Both parties expressed the need for stronger legal and institutional mechanisms to safeguard the rights of such vulnerable groups.

Additionally, Madam Thompson highlighted the British High Commission’s mentorship programmes for girls and women, including the “Ambassador for a Day” initiative, which is designed to provide young women with leadership exposure and empowerment opportunities.

The Minister welcomed this initiative and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to collaborate with the High Commission to scale up mentorship opportunities across the country.

Both parties also discussed empowering women in peacebuilding and strengthening their capacity to take up leadership roles.

Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey commended the British High Commission for its continuous support and applauded its role in developing the Care Reform Roadmap. She revealed that the Ministry is developing a National Parental Care Framework to harmonize child welfare efforts and promote responsible parenting.

The Minister further announced plans to establish the Gender Equity Committee, in line with the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, to oversee the implementation of the Act. She stressed the need for nationwide sensitization to ensure broad public understanding of the Act.

She emphasized the President’s commitment to expanding domestic violence response structures, including the construction of shelters and provision of essential services for survivors.

Touching on economic empowerment, the Minister highlighted the Government’s Women’s Development Bank initiative, which aims to provide financial support to women entrepreneurs and promote competitiveness in key sectors.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders to protect women and children affected by the Bawku conflict and to ensure that no vulnerable person is left behind in government interventions.

Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to driving impactful initiatives that foster inclusion, economic empowerment, and protection for all, ensuring no Ghanaian is left behind.

Source: MoGCSP