Address by Minister for Gender, Chidren and Social Protection at the High Level Social Protection Forum in Ghana

Salutation

i. The Honourable Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson (MP)
ii. His Excellency Mr. Zia Choudhury, United Nations Resident Coordinator
iii. Head of the Local Government Service, Professor Lord Mensah
iv. Chief Director, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Patrick Nomo
v. Chief Director, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Afisah Zachariah
vi. Directors of Ministries, Departments and Agencies
vii. Representatives from UNECA and our Development Partners
viii. Colleagues from the Public and Civil Service
ix. Members of Civil Society, the Private Sector, and the Media
x. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

2. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Finance and UNECA for convening this critical forum. The theme, "Bridging the Social Protection Gap in Africa and the Arab Regions,"speaks directly to our core mission. It is a call to uphold dignity, advance equity, and ensure that no one is left behind.

3. Social protection is the foundation of inclusive development and a powerful catalyst for economic productivity. The Government of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic, is committed to strengthening social intervention programmes that shield the poor and vulnerable, while lifting individuals and households out of extreme poverty and deprivation.

4. The social protection gap in Ghana reflects the realities faced by our most vulnerable citizens, urban and rural poor families, persons with disabilities, kayayei, older persons without pensions, and children living in hard-to-reach communities. Bridging this gap is not only a moral imperative but a strategic investment in our human capital and national stability.

5. After years of dedicated advocacy, we celebrate the landmark passage of the Affirmative Action Act. This legislation is more than a policy achievement; it is a transformative instrument that ensures women's equitable participation in leadership and decision-making, an essential pillar of social justice.

6. In addition, the Social Protection Law has now come into force, providing a coherent legal framework for coordination, integration, and sustainable financing of Ghana's social protection system. It marks our shift from fragmented, project-based interventions to a unified and rights-based social protection architecture.

7. Under the Reset Agenda, Government continues to strengthen key social intervention programmes, including the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), the Ghana School Feeding Programme, the Capitation Grant, and the National Health Insurance Scheme. Notably, Government intends to expand LEAP coverage from 350,000 households to 400,000 households by March 2026, an important step toward supporting extremely poor families to meet essential consumption needs.

8. Despite these gains, critical gaps remain, particularly in coverage, adequacy of benefits, and the provision of comprehensive support that goes beyond cash transfers.

9. Our strategy, anchored in the newly enacted laws, focuses on three key pillars:
i. Domestic Financing: Strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to secure predictable and sustainable funding, and ensuring that social protection is fully mainstreamed into national budgeting processes.
ii. Systems Integration: Leveraging the GhanaCard as a unique identifier to establish a unified social registry. This will enhance targeting accuracy, reduce duplication, and enable seamless links to health, education, and employment services.
iii. Shock Responsiveness: Developing a system capable of rapid scale-up during climate-related or economic shocks, to safeguard progress and support vulnerable households in times of crisis.

10. To our Development Partners, we call on you to align your support with our national social protection laws and strategy, and to continue investing in capacity building, innovation, and long-term systems strengthening.

11. To the Ministry of Finance and our colleague MDAs, let us work collectively to reset and reinforce the social protection landscape of our country. The Social Protection Law mandates a deeper partnership in financing, coordination, and integration.

12. To all other stakeholders, the passage of these landmark laws marks not a conclusion, but the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by effective implementation, accountability, and sustained commitment.

13. Let this forum renew our collective promise to the Ghanaian people. Together, let us close the gaps and build a resilient, inclusive, and equitable social protection system that safeguards every citizen.

14. United in purpose, we can secure dignity, opportunity, and hope for all.

Thank you.