MINISTER ENGAGES MASTERCARD FOUNDATION ON EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES

A delegation from the Mastercard Foundation, led by Ghana’s Country Director, Madam Rica Rwigamba, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to discuss areas of strategic collaboration and strengthen existing ties.

The Mastercard Foundation is a global organization with a strong presence in Ghana, committed to creating opportunities for young people, particularly women, through education, skills training, and entrepreneurship support. Its initiatives focus on reducing poverty, promoting financial inclusion, and empowering the next generation of African leaders.

During the visit, Madam Rwigamba reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry to eliminate systemic barriers that hinder the progress of women and youth. She expressed interest in partnering with the Ministry to support women entrepreneurs and young people through co-creation modules.

She further highlighted plans to collaborate in identifying and supporting vulnerable children, especially those from low-income backgrounds, through the Foundation’s scholarship programmes.

Discussions also focused on affordable financing for gender-related education, poverty alleviation strategies, and promoting financial inclusion, especially among women in rural communities. The need to enhance opportunities for African women and support their economic empowerment was a key part of the dialogue.

Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey commended the Mastercard Foundation for its remarkable impact in Ghana and across Africa, especially in empowering youth and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

She emphasized that the Ministry is actively engaging institutions and partners to build capacity and promote the economic empowerment of women nationwide. She cited the government’s Women’s Development Bank initiative as a clear example of efforts to equip women with the financial tools and support systems needed to thrive.

The Minister also noted that the ongoing expansion of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, as directed by the President, aims to include more vulnerable women and underserved groups. The current LEAP reassessment will further ensure that no eligible person is left behind.

In conclusion, the Minister pledged the Ministry’s full commitment to deepening collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation to implement targeted entrepreneurial and livelihood initiatives that improve the lives of young people, women, and persons with disabilities across Ghana.

Also present at the meeting were the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, and the Director of Social Protection, Madam Francisca Atuluk.

Source: MoGCSP