The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Department of Social Welfare and with support from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on Friday, 2nd August 2024, launched a five-year strategic plan for street-connected children and young persons (2024-2028).
This strategic plan marks a significant milestone in the MoGCSP’s efforts to promote and protect the rights of street-connected children by ensuring they have access to opportunities.
Developed with input from various stakeholders, the plan aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by street-connected children and young persons through a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.
In her statement during the launch, the Minister for MoGCSP, Ms. Dakoa Newman, emphasized the growing prevalence of street-connected children in several cities across Ghana.
She highlighted past initiatives such as “Operation Go Back to School” and “Operation Get Off the Streets for a Better Life,” which saw limited success in reintegrating children with their families and schools despite identifying thousands of street persons.
Ms. Dakoa Newman also noted the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on April 13, 2022, tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to tackle these challenges.
The five-year strategic plan is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the situation of street-connected children and young persons in Ghana.
It underscores the importance of enhanced intersectoral collaboration and the need for families to take responsibility for their children and strengthen family relationships.
The Minister expressed her gratitude to Catholic Relief Services for their financial support and to the Consortium for Street-Connected Children for their invaluable technical assistance in developing the strategic plan.
Rev. Dr. Mrs. Comfort Asare, National Director of the Department of Social Welfare, described the plan as a comprehensive and collaborative effort to address the complex challenges faced by street-connected children and young persons. She outlined the Ministry’s commitment to providing access to care, resources, and opportunities for these vulnerable children.
Mr. Wilfred Hurana, representing the Country Director of CRS in Ghana, Mr. Daniel Mumuni, stated that the strategic plan aligns with CRS’s strategic goal of ensuring all children reach their full health and development potential in safe and nurturing families.
He emphasized the plan’s focus on providing comprehensive support to street-connected children and young persons, ensuring they have access to the care, education, and opportunities they need to flourish.
He commended all stakeholders who contributed to the development of the plan and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.