The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs Dakoa Newman, has disclosed that Ghana has made strides towards accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Minister, who said this on Wednesday at the Model Children’s Summit in Accra, added that the government has implemented various social protection programmes to reduce poverty among orphaned and vulnerable children and their families.
“Initiatives such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) have provided financial assistance to the most vulnerable households, ensuring that basic needs such as nutrition, healthcare, and school enrollment are met,” she said.
She emphasised the impact of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, the School Feeding Programme and the expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). These key initiatives have played a crucial role in advancing the country’s development agenda.
Mrs Dakoa Newman expressed gratitude to partners and collaborators for their support.
“The summit has demonstrated the incredible potential of children to contribute meaningfully to the development agenda,” she added.
On her part, the Chief Director for the Ministry, Dr Afisah Zakariah, inspired the young participants, saying, “Your voices are the catalysts for progress, your ideas are the foundation for solutions, and your actions can be the driving force for positive change.”
Dr. Zakariah urged the children to believe in themselves, amplify their voices and shape the future they envision.
The Model Children’s Summit is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering the youth and integrating their perspectives into national development efforts. It provided a platform for children to discuss critical issues, share best practices and contribute to strategies aimed at improving their lives.
It also highlighted the importance of educating children on global challenges and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address these issues proactively.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD