The government has launched a new national strategy aimed at protecting vulnerable Ghanaians and strengthening the country’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to crises.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection unveiled the National Shock Responsive Social Protection Strategy, a framework designed to help Ghana better anticipate risks, respond swiftly to emergencies and support recovery when disasters strike.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said the growing frequency of shocks such as climate change, economic downturns and pandemics continues to threaten livelihoods, food security and overall wellbeing.
She said the strategy is intended to safeguard lives and livelihoods by ensuring that support systems are prepared in advance and can be activated quickly when needed.
“This provides a clear national framework to help us anticipate risks, prepare ahead of time, respond rapidly and support recovery in a coordinated and inclusive way,” she said.
Dr Lartey added that the strategy reflects a shared commitment between government and partners to build a more resilient and sustainable social protection system.
The strategy was launched on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, together with its standard operating procedures and implementation plan.
Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr Marian W A Kpakpah, described the framework as comprehensive and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that no one is left behind during times of crisis.
Chairperson of the event and Director General of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, warned that crises are no longer isolated events but persistent challenges. She noted that women, children and persons with disabilities are often the hardest hit and called for a strong focus on implementation rather than rhetoric.
Development partners including the National Disaster Management Organisation, the World Bank Group, UNICEF, the British High Commission and the World Food Programme pledged continued technical and financial support to ensure the strategy succeeds.
Presenting an overview of the plan, consultant Dr Esther Oduraa Ofei Aboagye said it is built around four key pillars: risk anticipation, preparedness, rapid response and recovery. She stressed the need to strengthen coordination across institutions and ensure that interventions are timely, targeted and scalable.
The launch brought together representatives from government agencies, local authorities, civil society, traditional and faith based groups, academia, development partners and the media.
Metrotvonline
