DAY TWO – 2024 MoGCSP SUMMIT




November 25, 2024 1:49 am

The 2024 Annual Summit of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) concluded on Thursday, 21st November 2024, in Accra.

In her statement, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, stated that the Affirmative Action Act is a critical tool to ensure that women, girls, and marginalized groups can fully participate in national development.

She highlighted the Ministry’s recent achievements, including the doubling of the LEAP grant to protect households against inflation, increased school feeding support for over four million pupils, and the successful passage of the Affirmative Action Act, 2024.

“The Act is a testament to our government’s resolve to address gender imbalances and prioritize equity in education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities,” Hon. Newman reiterated.

The Minister urged participants to work toward a nation where equality is not merely an aspiration but a tangible reality, guided by the Affirmative Action Act as the cornerstone legal framework.

Discussions on the second day addressed barriers such as early marriages and financial constraints that force girls out of school. “The data is alarming—over 20% of girls in Ghana marry before the age of 18, with rural areas facing even higher rates,” one panelist shared. These figures, coupled with reports of widespread sexual violence, underscored the urgent need for interventions under the Affirmative Action Act.

The collaborative spirit of the Summit was evident, with representatives from UNICEF, UNDP, and UNFPA reaffirming their support for the Ministry’s initiatives.

A key focus of Day 2 was defining milestones for the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action Act.

Stakeholders outlined strategies to monitor progress, ensure accountability, and integrate gender equity into national and local policies.

As the 2024 Annual Summit came to a close, it left behind a legacy of collaboration and actionable strategies to ensure that the Affirmative Action Act transforms lives.

With renewed commitments from local and international partners, the Ministry is poised to lead Ghana toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

Source: MoGCSP