Government of Ghana prioritizes gender equality- Gender Minister

 The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has stated that the Government of Ghana prioritizes gender equality and women’s empowerment by mainstreaming gender concerns into the socio-economic development agenda of the country.

She said this during an opening section of a four-day National Training Workshop organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) and ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (GDC), on Mitigating and Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Harassment, which started yesterday in Accra.

The Minister noted that domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of its victims, particularly women, girls, and vulnerable groups.

Adding that such acts not only hinder Ghana’s developmental agenda but also undermine progress across all ECOWAS member states

She noted that there are legislation and policies to eliminate all forms of SGBV and sexual harassment against women, girls, men, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

“Legal framework, including the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121), the Revised National Gender Policy, and the Social Protection Act, 2025 are measures which will help protect and promote the rights of the vulnerable,” she emphasized

The Minister encouraged participants to network effectively, exchange ideas, and share lessons that can advance the welfare and interests of women and girls while working towards gender parity and a brighter future.

She underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to tackling SGBV, noting that capacity-building initiatives are critical to eliminating violence and advancing gender equality across Ghana.

On her part, the Director of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC), Madam Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, urged stakeholders not to turn a blind eye to GBV and sexual harassment, stressing that the health and well-being of communities are at stake.

She called on all to stand in solidarity with victims, denounce abuse, and take action to create a more just and egalitarian society.

 “Every action counts within the medical, judicial, and social protection chains,” she noted.

She reaffirmed ECOWAS’ support for Ghana in its efforts to build a more inclusive, just, and violence-free society. Adding that the workshop forms part of ECOWAS’ broader commitment to supporting member states in combating GBV and fostering safe, inclusive societies.

The Director of the ECOWAS National Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Madam Laila Howard-Mills, commended the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women, men, girls, and vulnerable persons.

Grace Acheampong, ISD