The Central Adoption Authority (CAA) under the Department of Social Development of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, received a Vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser) from UNICEF Ghana. The gesture is part of UNICEFs efforts to support the CAA in their work.

The Central Adoption Authority is the newest and key mechanism the Ministry has initiated to ensure proper regulation of adoption procedures in Ghana.

Receiving the vehicle on behalf of the CAA, Hon. Nana Oye Lithur said that Government is fully committed to strengthen systems that ensure the welfare of all children. And one of the areas we focused on and are proud of is the Adoption and Foster care Systems.

She added that the Childrens Act Amendment Bill (Which was passed on 3rd November, 2016) makes provision for the establishment of a foster care system with approved foster carers and agents operationalised using in-country and intercountry best practice systems and procedures. In this regards the CAA has been established at the Department of Social Development to see to the establishment of the Authority and administration of adoption in Ghana.

The UNICEF Ghana Representative, Madam Susan Ngongi together with Mrs Johanna E. Takyo, (Chief Child Protection Programme UNICEF Ghana), who presented the vehicle to the Ministry, said the organisation was interest in the reformed procedures for adoption. They also realised that the CAA was not mobile but restricted, hence the decision to present the vehicle to help members of the Authority move around easily.

The Minister on behalf of the Ministry and the CAA thanked UNICEF for their generous Gesture and assure them that Government will continue to play its role in ensuring that all children are protected from any form of harm and abuse