Ghana has been grappling with the adverse effects of climate change and the unpredictable nature of shocks, which affect the vulnerable population, increasing poverty and food insecurity.
This underscores the urgent need to enhance social protection systems to build resilience, mitigate risks, and ensure the well-being of all citizens.
In light of this, the Social Protection Directorate of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection held the 29th Session of the Social Protection Sector Working Group (SPSWG) meeting on Friday, 21st June 2024 in Accra.
The meeting emphasized the need for enhanced social protection systems to mitigate risks, build resilience, and ensure the well-being of citizens. Key discussions included the responsiveness of social protection systems to climate change, the Akosombo Dam response review, and the development of a comprehensive national shock-responsive strategy.
A statement delivered on behalf of the Minister for the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, also the chairperson for the SPSWG, Hon. Dakoa Newman, by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere, expressed his appreciation to the participants for tackling critical matters concerning social protection.
According to him, the country is in an era where the effects of climate change are increasingly felt and visible, posing significant challenges to the socioeconomic well-being of Ghanaians.
Hon. Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere, touching on the efforts made to reduce the impact of climate change, emphasized the Green Ghana Project, which His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of the Republic of Ghana, launched in 2021.
He disclosed that the Ministry, with support from development partners, has initiated a process to develop and implement a comprehensive national social protection shock-responsive strategy to help the poor and vulnerable.
Addressing the Sector Working Group on behalf of the Chief Director of MoGCSP, Dr. Afisah Zakariah, the Acting Director for the Social Protection Directorate, Madam Abena Annobea Asare, urged all to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas as they remain committed to the goal of building resilient communities and safeguarding the well-being of citizens.
“That way, we can collectively overcome the challenges posed by climate change and emergencies, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for Ghana,” she reaffirmed.
On her part, Madam Paulina Sarvilathi, the Chief of Social Policy and Inclusion at UNICEF Ghana, who co-chaired on behalf of the Deputy Country Director for WFP, acknowledged the steps the Ministry is taking to ensure that the Social Protection Bill is passed into law.
She promised the organization’s effective cooperation with the government, the ministry, and stakeholders to enhance delivering on its commitment to promoting a life of dignity, health, and improved livelihoods.
The Lead Economist and Task Team Leader for the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP2) at the World Bank, Madam Cornelia Tesliuc, reiterated the World Bank’s continuous support for the government’s social protection efforts and poverty reduction agenda.
The SPSWG exists to exercise policy coherence, oversee the operationalization and periodic review of the governance framework, provide overarching monitoring and evaluation of the SP systems, and support MoGCSP in planning, implementation, and coordination of SP policies and legislation.
