The UK High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christian Rogg, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to deepen collaboration on gender equality and inclusive development.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, on Thursday in Accra, disclosed that steps are underway to operationalise the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act.
She said a Legislative Instrument has been presented in Parliament to implement the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024.
“This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among various agencies and institutions to improve service delivery,” she said.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to increase the number of benefiting households from 350,000 to 400,000.
She further indicated that plans are being developed to support households graduating from the programme with sustainable opportunities such as the Adwumawura Programme.
Dr Momo Lartey noted the importance of strengthening social protection systems through enhanced linkages, interoperability, and shock-responsive mechanisms to better respond to crises.
Discussions also centred on women’s economic empowerment as a key priority, with emphasis on initiatives such as skill training and improved access to capital and support systems to enhance livelihoods.
The conversation further highlighted menstrual hygiene as a critical area, underscoring the need to boost girls’ confidence and promote dignity, and encouraged women entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in local sanitary pad production.
On his Part, His Excellency Christian Rogg commended the Minister for her dedication and leadership in advancing the Ministry’s mandate, particularly strengthening social protection systems and promoting gender equality.
He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to continue to provide technical and financial support to the Ministry.
He further noted that the UK is actively supporting initiatives aimed at building the capacity of young women and girls to enhance their participation in economic and public life.
The meeting provided a platform for both parties to discuss shared priorities and explore avenues for strengthening cooperation between the UK and the Ministry.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
