Gender Minister Highlights Gains in Social Protection and Child Protection 2026

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Gender Minister Highlights Gains in Social Protection, Child Protection and Gender Equality

Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey has highlighted key progress made in strengthening social protection, advancing gender equality, and protecting children across Ghana. She presented the Ministry’s performance at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

The Minister noted that the work remained focused on improving the welfare of vulnerable and excluded persons. She anchored the Ministry’s work on five key areas: social protection, gender equality, child protection, support for persons with disabilities, and addressing violence and exploitation.

4.53 Million Children Now Benefit From Ghana School Feeding Programme

Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey disclosed that 4.53 million children now receive a hot nutritious meal every day through the Ghana School Feeding Programme. This is an increase from 4.03 million children in 2024. Furthermore, the average LEAP grant has increased from GH₵360 in 2024 to GH₵569.14 in 2026.

In addition, the programme’s coverage ceiling has expanded from 350,000 to 450,000 households. She also revealed that 11.24 million Ghanaians have been profiled in the National Household Registry.

19,760 Persons With Disabilities Benefit From Disability Common Fund

The Gender Minister further disclosed that 19,760 persons with disabilities have benefited directly from the Disability Common Fund. Moreover, she noted that seven out of every ten citizen grievances received by the Ministry are now being resolved.

On social protection reforms, she highlighted the passage of the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148) as a major development. She explained that the Act provides a legal framework to support the implementation and coordination of social protection services across Ghana.

Social Protection Must Be Measured by Lives Changed Not Just Numbers

Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey stressed the importance of measuring social protection not only by statistics but also by the difference interventions make in people’s lives. She said behind every number are individuals and families whose lives are being directly affected by the Ministry’s work.

Therefore, the Ministry will continue to strengthen social protection systems and ensure its interventions respond effectively to the needs of children, women, persons with disabilities, and other excluded groups.