COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON SOCIAL PROTECTION AND OTHER PERTINENT SOCIAL ISSUES

Ghana has made many efforts to reduce poverty and improve the lives of its citizens, yet many people—especially children, women, and the elderly in rural communities—continue to experience poverty, limited opportunities, and social challenges such as domestic violence, human trafficking, abuse of illicit drugs, child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

As part of these challenges, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through the Social Protection Directorate has organised a one-day community dialogue on social protection and social issues at Ada East District in the Greater Accra Region.

The purpose of the engagement was to create ownership and galvanise the need for support in the implementation of social protection at the grassroot level.

To conscientize the community on consequences of social issues such as gender-based violence, and human trafficking and how it perpetuates vulnerability and poverty.

It was to register freely the indigenes category onto the national health insurance scheme, among others.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Director of Social Protection Directorate, Madam Francisca Atuluk, emphasised the importance of community dialogues in gathering feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders to improve the delivery of social protection services.

She noted that social protection is not just a matter of policy but compassion, equity, and human dignity. Thus, SP is ensuring that no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to live life free from poverty, insecurity, and dispair.

Touching on the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act1148), Madam Francisca Atuluk hinted that the president, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, in August will streamline Social Protection Programmes and Policies within the national development agenda.

She once again disclosed that the Gender Ministry is finalizing the National Shock Responsive Social Protection Strategy, which seeks to anticipate, prepare for, and respond swiftly and effectively to shocks.

Madam Francisca Atuluk charged all to work together, participate actively in the dialogue, express thoughts and concerns openly in order to build a society where social protection is not just a programme but a fundamental human right.

In a brief statement, the representative of the Paramount Chief who doubles as the chairperson of the event, Nene Kabutey Assem III, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation to MoGCSP for bringing the conversation closer to the grassroots. He urged all to use the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and bring out suggestions regarding the implementation of social protection programmes in the district.

Participants were taken through key government social protection initiatives, including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, the Ghana School Feeding Programme, and the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The dialogue brought together community leaders, local authorities, civil society organisations, school children, and residents to discuss key social protection interventions and pressing social challenges affecting vulnerable individuals and households in the district

The programme forms part of MoGCSP’s broader efforts to strengthen community participation, promote inclusive social development, and ensure that social protection interventions respond to the real needs of citizens at the grassroots level.

Source: MoGCSP