The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), through the Department of Children, has organized a Model Children’s Summit on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in anticipation of the Summit for the Future set to take place in September.
The summit provided a platform for Ghanaian children to discuss critical issues, share best practices, and contribute to strategies aimed at improving their lives.
Featuring interactive sessions with policymakers, experts, and peers, the summit focused on key topics such as quality education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and child protection.
This initiative empowered children and educated them on the SDGs, fostering an informed and proactive generation.
Speaking at the summit, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, highlighted Ghana’s significant progress towards achieving the SDGs. She mentioned that the government has implemented various social protection programs aimed at reducing poverty among orphaned and vulnerable children and their families.
Initiatives such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program have provided financial assistance to the most vulnerable households, ensuring that basic needs such as nutrition, healthcare, and school enrollment are met.
The Minister also emphasized the impact of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program, 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.
“The summit has demonstrated the incredible potential of children to contribute meaningfully to the development agenda,” Hon. Dakoa Newman said, expressing gratitude to partners and collaborators for their unwavering support.
Dr. Afisah Zakariah, Chief Director of the Ministry, inspired the young participants by asserting that they hold the keys to unlocking a better tomorrow. “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,” she stated.
Dr. Zakariah urged the children to believe in themselves, amplify their voices, and shape the future they envision.
The Model Children’s Summit stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering the youth and integrating their perspectives into national development efforts.
It also highlights the importance of educating children on global challenges and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address these issues proactively.
