Ghana’s government has enacted the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), creating a comprehensive legal framework for social protection services nationwide. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, stated this act is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
The new Act provides a structured approach to delivering social protection interventions. It aims to reduce poverty and inequality by safeguarding vulnerable populations and encouraging their full participation in economic life. This legislative step comes as many women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities still face exclusion and deprivation.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to foster inclusive growth and improve living standards for all citizens. Historically, countries that significantly reduced poverty did so by investing heavily in robust social protection systems. The government's actions demonstrate a commitment to these proven strategies, building upon existing efforts to expand social service access.
Dr. Lartey emphasized the government's resolve, stating, “Nations that have made significant progress in reducing poverty and inequality have done so by investing in robust social protection systems.” She delivered her remarks through Ms. Francisca Atuluk, Director of Social Protection, at a community dialogue in Dachio, Bolgatanga East District. This highlights the government's direct engagement with communities to strengthen these programs.
The Act's implementation is expected to enhance public engagement, sensitization campaigns, and advocacy efforts. These actions will bring social protection interventions closer to communities, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Decision-makers and markets will watch for the effectiveness of these expanded programs in improving livelihoods and reducing economic disparities across Ghana.
Currently, the government is collaborating with traditional authorities, faith-based organizations, and local assemblies. These partnerships aim to ensure that social protection services reach those who need them most effectively. It addresses the existing gap where many people lack information about available support programs.
Key existing interventions include the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, which provides direct cash transfers to poor households. Other programs are the School Feeding Programme, disability support initiatives, and free sanitary pads for schoolgirls. The expansion also includes free primary healthcare, the “No Fees Stress” policy for tertiary students, and the new Mahama Cares initiative.
Mr. Frank Kwame Kontoh, Senior Programmer at the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service, reiterated the dialogue's goal to inform communities. He explained that attendees receive information on accessing these various social protection interventions for their benefit. The Bolgatanga East District, for example, currently supports 126 households under the LEAP program.
Mr. Jacob Abugri Aka-Eri, Bolgatanga East District Chief Executive, called for greater expansion of these interventions. He noted that challenges like teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and economic vulnerability persist in his district. Local leaders and community members, like Naba Thomas Akalga II of Dachio, have already praised the government’s efforts to raise awareness.
As part of the community dialogue activities, residents were registered for free onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This directly improves access to healthcare for vulnerable persons. These comprehensive efforts underscore a concerted push to alleviate poverty and promote social inclusion in Ghana.