FORMATION OF SUB-TECHNICAL COMMITTEE FOR STREET-CONNECTED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS

On Thursday, 10th July 2025, the Department of Social Welfare, under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), held a meeting to establish a Sub-Technical Committee to oversee the implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Street-Connected Children and Young Persons (2024–2028).

The meeting brought together key stakeholders with a shared commitment to addressing the vulnerabilities faced by children and young persons living and working on the streets.

The primary objective of the meeting was to advance the implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Street-Connected Children and Young Persons (2024–2028). It also aimed to agree on modalities for coordination, monitoring, and reporting on the implementation progress.

In an opening remarks delivered on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, the Acting Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Dr. Prince Boamah Abrah, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of street-connected children. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and multisectoral engagement in addressing the complex and diverse nature of streetism in the country.

He urged stakeholders to contribute their expertise in the selection of committee members to help develop and effectively implement the action plan.

A presentation was made on the Five-Year Strategic Plan, which outlines the vision, strategic objectives, and key interventions aimed at reducing the number of children living and working on the streets.

Following the presentation, participants engaged in deliberations to select members of the Sub-Technical Committee. The committee comprises 15 representatives from the following institutions:

Ag.Director, Department of Social Welfare, Deputy Director, Programmes Division, DSW, Ag. Director, Department of Children, Director, RSIM Directorate, Head, Human Trafficking Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana Immigration Service

Ministry of the Interior, Office of the Head of Local Government Service, Coalition for Street-Connected Children (3 representatives), Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Finance

The Committee will be responsible for:

-Providing technical guidance and oversight for implementation activities

-Supporting resource mobilization efforts

-Ensuring effective coordination among stakeholders

-Monitoring and evaluating progress against set targets

The one-day meeting marked a significant milestone in operationalizing the Five-Year Strategic Plan. The formation of the Sub-Technical Committee is expected to strengthen inter-agency coordination and enhance the effective implementation of strategic interventions aimed at promoting the rights, protection, and development of street-connected children and young persons in Ghana.

Source: MoGCSP